Lere Baale, Bukola Smith, Simon Aranonu Lead Speakers Lineup At Lagos Conference

The 21st edition of the Lagos Leadership Conference (LLC) is set to bring together some of Nigeria’s most respected voices in business and leadership, with the chief executive of Business School Netherlands (BSN), Prof. Lere Baale; the managing director and CEO of FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd, Mrs. Bukola Smith, and the former executive director at the Bank of Industry (BoI), Pastor Simon Aranonu, leading this year’s speakers lineup.

Themed “Leading with Empathy,” the highly anticipated event will take place on July 11, 2025, at Resurrection Place, Jakande First Gate, Lagos. The conference promises a deep dive into the power of empathy as a core leadership trait, an idea gaining global traction in both corporate and social impact circles.

Baale brings decades of experience in executive education and strategic leadership to the stage. He is expected to offer actionable insights on how empathy can be leveraged to drive innovation, inspire teams, and lead transformation in turbulent times.

Joining him is Smith, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial sector. Known for her progressive leadership and passion for mentoring women in business, Smith is poised to share her unique perspective on inclusive leadership and corporate empathy.

Also featured is Aranonu, whose dual experience in banking and faith leadership offers a balanced view on servant leadership and values-driven decision-making.

The convener of the Lagos Leadership Conference, Pastor Charles Kpandei, who is of the conviction this would be one of the best conference in recent times, enjoins everyone to be a part of this conference.