Foundation Asks New BoT Chair To Deepen Community Service, Youth Empowerment

The leadership of the Wilson & Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF) has charged the new chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT), Rev. Adedimeji Adegbesan, to use his tenure to impact communities, empower youths and deliver on the visions of its founding fathers.

The charge came during the foundation’s 18th annual event at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

Its chairman emeritus and presiding apostle of Macedonia Call Global Assembly, Dr Osaren Emokpae, challenged Adegbesan to work hard to build on the foundation’s founders’ legacy.

He further asked Adegbesan to bring renewed vigour to the foundation’s mission of lifting the poor and changing lives through thoughtful, compassionate, and strategic leadership, observing the conventions of the mandate and constitution of the foundation

Dr Emokpae stressed that inclusive empowerment of the people must remain at the heart of WYBF’s mission.

The cleric said, “You have been saddled with a great responsibility to carry on the good work of the founders. Focus on meeting the needs of the poor and improving lives in the communities we serve.”
The foundation’s mission is to restore dignity, build capacity and foster hope in places where it is in short supply.

The organisers made a press statement available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja yesterday. They said this year’s theme was “Leadership Reimagined: Framework for Empowering the Next Generation of Nation Builders.”
Fela Durotoye, a speaker and leadership expert, urged the audience to bridge the gap between current and future leaders.

Durotoye reinforced the need to rethink traditional leadership models and empower emerging leaders with courage, competence and character.

The event featured contributions from Mrs Bola Obasanjo, wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and mother of the day, Dr. Cecilia Ibru, the chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University.

They spoke on building Nigeria of “our dreams: a nation free from corruption and tribalism, where love for country outweighs the love of money.”

The general overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, prayed to God to grant Adegbesan wisdom and guidance in his new role.

The vice-chairman of WYBF and son of the founders, Femi Badejo, who represents a new phase in the organisation’s life, said it is being refocused to “deepen the inclusiveness of youths and the transformation of Nigeria to what we should all be proud of in WYBF programmes.”

Adegbesan brings over 30 years of experience as a pastor and finance professional. He is known for his integrity, leadership, and heart for service, making him a strong fit to lead the foundation.

Since its inception in 2007, the group has rehabilitated over 2,000 boys and girls in the area, awarded 600 scholarships to underprivileged students, and carried out several community projects in Nigeria.