Lagos: The Pan-African Leadership Institute (PALI) has urged the promotion of effective and ethical leadership across Africa as the foundation for socio-economic transformation. PALI global president, Dr. Kofi Osei-Kush, made the call in Lagos during an interactive session with Nigerian alumni and fellows of the institute.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the session formed part of activities for the 2025 PALI Leadership Conference, scheduled to hold from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25. The conference, with the theme ‘Think Leadership. Think PALI’, aims to inspire purposeful leadership, foster collaboration, and strengthen professional networks among African changemakers. The alumni held a media parley in Lagos to welcome Dr. Osei-Kush to Nigeria, providing a platform for interaction between the alumni, journalists, and partners on the forthcoming leadership conference and its objectives.
Speaking at the engagement, Dr. Osei-Kush emphasized Pan-Africanism, leadership development, and unity among Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora. He mentioned that PALI was established to develop transformational leaders across Africa, adding that unity was key to the continent’s growth and decolonisation. He noted that the African Union recognizes the diaspora as the sixth region of Africa and stressed that PALI seeks to build bridges between both sides.
Osei-Kush disclosed that PALI had trained over 1,200 leaders across 53 countries, many of whom are Nigerians. He described Nigeria as ‘a strategic nation and the giant of Africa,’ noting that its role in the institute’s growth was significant. PALI’s curriculum blends African wisdom with global exposure, combining traditional values and modern leadership principles.
Osei-Kush explained that PALI’s courses are conducted virtually, with participants connecting globally, while graduation ceremonies rotate annually among member nations. He stressed that leadership must be guided by integrity, transparency, and service to others.
A Nigerian alumnus, Dr. George Oboh, said the program was not profit-driven but aimed at providing accessible leadership training across sectors. He commended the institute for its focus on capacity building, noting that some participants received full scholarships.
Another alumna, Mrs. Jessica Okoli, said PALI empowers young Africans by promoting decolonisation through education and reimagining African leadership. She urged greater focus on youth and women’s leadership, stressing that empowerment begins at home through traditional value teaching.
Osei-Kush also urged Africans to embrace self-reliance and patronize locally made products. He encouraged emerging leaders to uphold Pan-Africanism and continue building their leadership capacity, expressing optimism for Africa’s future.