The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has made a compelling case for faith-based leadership at the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) Mega Summit 2025, organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.
The summit, held in Ibadan, was themed “Leadership and Influence: How Christian Professionals Can Shape Public Policy – My Journey as a Christian Legislator.”
It brought together hundreds of young professionals, faith leaders, and policymakers from across Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reflected on his personal and political journey from a childhood grounded in Christian values to his historic emergence as Nigeria’s youngest Speaker in 2019.
He highlighted how his faith has continually shaped his leadership philosophy and commitment to public service.
“My political journey was not born out of ambition, but a desire to serve. Leadership is not about domination but about lifting others. “
Quoting Mark 10:43–45, he emphasized that true leadership, as modeled by Christ, is rooted in service and humility.
He challenged Christian professionals to be “salt and light” in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape by promoting policies built on compassion, justice, and integrity.
Referencing Proverbs 22:1, he said, “Credibility, not just charisma, earns influence in public life.”
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin urged young professionals to see their careers as platforms for ministry and nation-building. “Your profession is your pulpit” he declared, encouraging them to allow their values to guide their contributions to society.
He also paid glowing tributes to Pastor (Dr.) W.F. Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and the State Overseer of the Church, Pastor Ayo Afolabi for founding the Young Professionals Forum, as a non-governmental and interdenominational initiative dedicated to mentoring and empowering youth across Nigeria.
“Pastor Kumuyi’s vision for the YPF is inspiring. We need more spiritual leaders who are committed not just to preaching, but to building capacity in young people,” the Speaker said.
He called for a generational shift in leadership across the country, stressing that the future belongs to young Nigerians who lead with values and vision.
“The transformation Nigeria needs will not come from one person or one political party. It will come from a generation of value-driven leaders young people who fear God, who pursue justice, and who are not afraid to be different.”
