By Kingsley Asiedu
ACCRA, Ghana — Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, Majority Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives (2011–2015) and Chairperson of the Governing Council of the KRIF Foundation, has thrown her full endorsement behind the upcoming Regal Influence Summit, describing it as “a long-overdue platform to transform governance and leadership across Africa.”
In an exclusive interview, the respected lawmaker — known for her legislative leadership and strong advocacy for women’s empowerment — said the summit, slated for January 23–25, 2026, will bring together political leaders, influencers, business executives, faith leaders, and philanthropists from across the continent to reshape Africa’s leadership landscape and policy direction.
According to her, “The strategic importance of the Regal Influence Summit cannot be overemphasized. Africa has been in dire need of such a gathering. KRIF Foundation is taking the bull by the horns to bring together leaders who can drive national and continental transformation.”
A First-of-Its-Kind Agenda
Akande-Adeola noted that the summit stands out for its bold intent to address long-standing governance challenges on the continent — including inconsistent leadership structures, weak collaboration, and limited ethical governance.
“The vision we’re advancing is to mobilize and empower leaders to promote visionary governance, ethical leadership, and legacy building,” she said. “These are areas in which the continent has struggled, except in very few countries.”
She stressed that Africa must begin aligning its policymaking processes across regions to foster long-term stability and shared prosperity.
“It goes beyond presidents sitting in different countries,” she explained. “We need joint working relationships where what is implemented in Ghana is also implemented in Nigeria and across regional blocs. Everyone must believe in the same expected outcomes for our people.”
Strengthening Continental Collaboration
Akande-Adeola highlighted that African countries — even close partners like Ghana and Nigeria — often operate in silos, slowing progress that could be achieved through collective effort.
“Most countries act as sovereign states that must do what’s right for their nation — but you can’t do it alone,” she said. “Legislatures across Africa should be looking at aligning their laws and implementation strategies for shared progress.”
Expected Outcomes: Policy, Impact Funds & Social Initiatives
The 2026 summit is expected to deliver strong, actionable outcomes that the former lawmaker describes as “unique and deeply impactful”, including:
- A strengthened network of Regal Influencers driving policy and social change
- A summit communiqué outlining actionable and implementable policy recommendations
- Launch of mentorship and leadership impact funds for emerging leaders
- Social projects such as revolving credit for widows, skills-training scholarships for orphans and vulnerable youth, and braille support for the visually impaired
- An annual interfaith dialogue designed to promote peace, unity, and tolerance
“These outcomes will touch every sector of society,” she said. “Once people’s needs are met — the youth, the visually impaired, widows, vulnerable groups — their countries will flourish.”
Women, Youth, and Inclusive Leadership
A lifelong champion for inclusive leadership, Akande-Adeola emphasized that the summit will give significant focus to women and young people.
“When you look at any country, youth and women are the most important demographic,” she said. “Once their needs are met, the country will flourish.”
She highlighted mentorship, education, and empowerment as essential tools — areas she has personally invested in through scholarships, advocacy, and community development programmes.
“Education is key to advancement,” she added. “Once you’re educated, the sky is your limit.”
She confirmed that high-profile women leaders will feature prominently at the summit, helping influence policy and implementation across participating nations.
Beyond 2026: Building a Continental Legacy
Akande-Adeola expressed confidence that the inaugural Regal Influence Summit will establish a long-term tradition that African leaders eagerly anticipate.
“We want to make it a summit that people will be yearning for — where people register a year ahead because of its impact,” she said. “The communiqué will not be shelved. It will be circulated widely so governments can adopt its recommendations.”
She affirmed that the summit aims to ignite action beyond the conference floor.
“This summit will not end in the conference hall,” she said. “We expect everyone to go home and start something. KRIF Foundation is committed to ensuring Africa begins to speak with one voice.”
Closing her remarks, she offered a prayerful message for unity and purpose:
“May God guide us all and bring everyone safely to Accra. By the time we leave, we should all be fulfilled — ready to implement what we’ve learned for the progress of the continent.”
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