Nigeria needs leaders with capacity for effective leadership — Cleric

The Lead Pastor of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, has said Nigeria needs leaders with the capacity for effective leadership.

He attributed many of the country’s leadership challenges to the emergence of people who sought positions of authority without the character, preparation and capacity required for effective leadership.

Achudume spoke at the 2026 All Women Summit held at Victory City, Abeokuta, on Saturday.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the church’s media office, Achudume declared that “leadership is beyond position,” stressing that many aspired to occupy offices but were unwilling to shoulder the responsibilities and sacrifices that define true leadership.

Quoting the bible the cleric said, “Leadership often looks like a curse because no matter what you do, people will still criticise you.”

He added that God refines leaders through seasons of discomfort, sacrifice and endurance rather than convenience.

Achudume maintained that the nation would continue to grapple with poor governance if leadership positions were occupied by individuals who were unprepared, unequipped and driven by ambition instead of service.

He urged leaders in government, the Church and other sectors to embrace discipline, accountability and prompt response to issues affecting the people.

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He challenged women to rise as leaders in their homes, professions, communities and the Church, urging them to reject excuses, embrace responsibility and allow the Word of God to shape their character, purpose and influence.

He stated, “Leadership is beyond desire; can you pay the price?”

He encouraged participants to let their mess become their message, insisting that every woman has a God-given assignment and must shine through excellence, service and unwavering faith.

The summit was held in memory of his wife, Reverend Fola Achudume.

Paying glowing tribute to the late cleric, whose vision birthed the annual All Women Summit, guest minister Apostle Ngozi Okwok described her as a woman of unwavering faith, uncommon sacrifice and an unrelenting passion for raising women of purpose.

She noted that the late cleric’s life of selfless service and steadfast commitment to God continued to inspire generations of women.

Okwok urged participants to preserve and build on her legacy by embracing knowledge and personal development, stressing that ignorance was never an excuse.

She maintained that, irrespective of their social, economic, educational or religious backgrounds, women must continually strive for excellence, pursue lifelong learning and shine as lights in their homes, careers, communities and every sphere of influence.