ABLI Nigeria 2024: Raising the Standard of Leadership Across Africa
The African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) Forum, a transformative platform dedicated to fostering personal and cultural change through leadership rooted in biblical values, was hosted by the Bible Society of Nigeria in Abuja from October 21 to 24, 2024. ABLI serves as an apolitical and non-denominational forum that convenes leaders across Africa, encouraging reflection on the timeless principles of integrity, justice, social harmony, and wisdom embedded within biblical teachings.
Since its inception, ABLI has carved a distinctive niche by bridging diverse sectors—government, media, business, churches, and academia—in pursuit of leadership that elevates society. This year’s forum continued this mission under the impactful theme, “Value-Based Leadership: A Model for Africa.” This theme resonated with an audience deeply aware of Africa’s pressing need for leaders who embody integrity, transparency, and a commitment to social justice.
A Platform for Transformative Dialogue
ABLI Nigeria 2024 gathered an impressive spectrum of African leaders, including captains of industry, representatives of government, media influencers, and faith leaders. Esteemed attendees included representatives of the First Lady of Nigeria and the Governor of Plateau State, as well as former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and BSN Patron, Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR. The forum also welcomed leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), United Bible Societies (UBS), British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), Bible Societies in Africa, Bishops and General Overseers from various churches, marking a powerful display of unity and collaboration.
Legacy of ABLI: A Pan-African Movement of Value-Based Leadership
Born in 2010 during the African Union Prayer Breakfast in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the ABLI Forum symbolises a commitment to African unity and progress. The initiative’s origin in Addis Ababa, home to the African Union headquarters, highlights ABLI’s foundational belief in a unified Africa. Yet, ABLI was never intended to remain in one location; instead, it moves across the continent, creating meaningful impact in diverse settings. Since its establishment, ABLI has made significant impacts in Kampala, Uganda (2012); Accra, Ghana (2014); Malawi (2015); Kenya (2016); Cameroon (2017); and eSwatini (2018). This journey has allowed ABLI to connect with local communities while advocating for Africa-wide transformation.
Inspiring Voices and a Vision for African Leadership
A key component of ABLI Nigeria 2024 was the lineup of seasoned speakers, each offering unique insights on the theme, “Value-Based Leadership: A Model for Africa.”
Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, a respected philosopher and social reformer, delivered a keynote address that emphasised the transformative potential of the Bible in shaping cultural values and governance structures. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, advocating for a leadership model that mirrors biblical principles. Hon. Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda provided a powerful perspective on governance, focusing on how ethical integrity can counteract corruption and build trust within communities. Mrs. Juliet Binitie, Director of Programmes/Senior Facilitator, Institute for National Transformation (INT) and Hon. Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, former Chief Justice of South Africa both offered strategies for leaders in various sectors to implement values-based practices, stressing the importance of aligning organisational goals with ethical principles to ensure sustainable success.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge that equipped attendees with actionable steps to incorporate value-based frameworks into their respective spheres.
Achievements and Significance of ABLI 2024
The ABLI Forum in Abuja achieved several milestones:
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future of Africa
The success of ABLI Nigeria 2024 is a demonstration of the power of value-based leadership in driving Africa’s future. As leaders across sectors left the forum inspired and motivated, it became clear that ABLI is more than just a gathering, it is a movement committed to shaping Africa’s destiny through leadership that values integrity, social harmony, justice, wisdom, and unity.
The forum ended with a collective commitment to carry forth these values, creating a legacy of leadership that serves the common good, inspires hope, and exemplifies biblical values as a model for African transformation. ABLI Nigeria 2024 was not only a celebration of progress but a call to action for every African leader to champion a culture of value-based leadership that will uplift the continent.
Since its inception, ABLI has carved a distinctive niche by bridging diverse sectors—government, media, business, churches, and academia—in pursuit of leadership that elevates society. This year’s forum continued this mission under the impactful theme, “Value-Based Leadership: A Model for Africa.” This theme resonated with an audience deeply aware of Africa’s pressing need for leaders who embody integrity, transparency, and a commitment to social justice.
A Platform for Transformative Dialogue
ABLI Nigeria 2024 gathered an impressive spectrum of African leaders, including captains of industry, representatives of government, media influencers, and faith leaders. Esteemed attendees included representatives of the First Lady of Nigeria and the Governor of Plateau State, as well as former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and BSN Patron, Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR. The forum also welcomed leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), United Bible Societies (UBS), British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), Bible Societies in Africa, Bishops and General Overseers from various churches, marking a powerful display of unity and collaboration.
Legacy of ABLI: A Pan-African Movement of Value-Based Leadership
Born in 2010 during the African Union Prayer Breakfast in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the ABLI Forum symbolises a commitment to African unity and progress. The initiative’s origin in Addis Ababa, home to the African Union headquarters, highlights ABLI’s foundational belief in a unified Africa. Yet, ABLI was never intended to remain in one location; instead, it moves across the continent, creating meaningful impact in diverse settings. Since its establishment, ABLI has made significant impacts in Kampala, Uganda (2012); Accra, Ghana (2014); Malawi (2015); Kenya (2016); Cameroon (2017); and eSwatini (2018). This journey has allowed ABLI to connect with local communities while advocating for Africa-wide transformation.
Inspiring Voices and a Vision for African Leadership
A key component of ABLI Nigeria 2024 was the lineup of seasoned speakers, each offering unique insights on the theme, “Value-Based Leadership: A Model for Africa.”
Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, a respected philosopher and social reformer, delivered a keynote address that emphasised the transformative potential of the Bible in shaping cultural values and governance structures. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, advocating for a leadership model that mirrors biblical principles. Hon. Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda provided a powerful perspective on governance, focusing on how ethical integrity can counteract corruption and build trust within communities. Mrs. Juliet Binitie, Director of Programmes/Senior Facilitator, Institute for National Transformation (INT) and Hon. Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, former Chief Justice of South Africa both offered strategies for leaders in various sectors to implement values-based practices, stressing the importance of aligning organisational goals with ethical principles to ensure sustainable success.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge that equipped attendees with actionable steps to incorporate value-based frameworks into their respective spheres.
Achievements and Significance of ABLI 2024
The ABLI Forum in Abuja achieved several milestones:
- Strengthened partnerships and alliances between leaders from various sectors, fostering unity and collaboration.
- Promoted a renewed commitment to leadership grounded in integrity and values, creating momentum for positive change across Africa.
- Empowered youth to actively engage in the leadership conversation, signalling a shift toward more inclusive decision-making in African society.
- Expanded ABLI’s legacy of impact, as this year’s forum continued the tradition of fostering ethical leadership across the continent.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future of Africa
The success of ABLI Nigeria 2024 is a demonstration of the power of value-based leadership in driving Africa’s future. As leaders across sectors left the forum inspired and motivated, it became clear that ABLI is more than just a gathering, it is a movement committed to shaping Africa’s destiny through leadership that values integrity, social harmony, justice, wisdom, and unity.
The forum ended with a collective commitment to carry forth these values, creating a legacy of leadership that serves the common good, inspires hope, and exemplifies biblical values as a model for African transformation. ABLI Nigeria 2024 was not only a celebration of progress but a call to action for every African leader to champion a culture of value-based leadership that will uplift the continent.