Business a.m.
Godman Akinlabi, the global lead pastor of The Elevation Church, has been recognised by the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) as a Distinguished Honouree of its 71st Leader Without Title (LWT) Leadership Tribute, an award that seeks to spotlight leadership impact beyond formal power and institutional rank.
The recognition was conferred at a colloquium in Lagos, bringing Akinlabi into a small and influential group of African leaders celebrated by CVL for their long-term contribution to ethical leadership, social development and institution-building. Previous honourees include figures from business, public service and diplomacy, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on values-led influence rather than positional authority.
Founded and led by political economist and public intellectual Pat Utomi, CVL has spent nearly two decades promoting leadership rooted in integrity, service and social responsibility. The Leader Without Title tribute is one of its flagship initiatives, designed to acknowledge individuals whose work delivers measurable public value while operating outside the traditional levers of political or corporate power.
Akinlabi was selected following what CVL described as a rigorous, merit-based evaluation process that assessed sustained societal impact, ethical consistency and leadership outcomes over time. The focus, organisers said, was not on visibility or popularity, but on depth of influence and demonstrable results.
“This year’s edition focuses on honouring faith leaders of outstanding global relevance, individuals whose lives reflect a long-standing commitment to justice, equity and transformative social impact. Godman Akinlabi’s work embodies these ideals and has produced tangible results across communities within and beyond Nigeria,” Utomi said at the event.
While faith leaders have traditionally played a significant role in Africa’s social fabric, CVL’s recognition of Akinlabi reflects a growing interest among leadership institutions in how religious platforms intersect with human development, civic engagement and economic empowerment.
Over the past two decades, Akinlabi has built The Elevation Church into one of Nigeria’s most prominent urban congregations, with a strong emphasis on leadership development, ethical living and social intervention. Alongside its religious activities, the church has become a hub for programmes targeting education, healthcare, mentorship and entrepreneurship.
CVL cited several initiatives linked to Akinlabi’s leadership, including the Pistis Empowerment Foundation, which focuses on capacity building and welfare support, and large-scale outreach programmes such as Elevate 200. Free medical missions, food distribution drives and other welfare interventions were also highlighted as evidence of sustained community impact, particularly in underserved urban areas.
Beyond direct social programmes, Akinlabi has positioned leadership and personal development as central pillars of his work. Platforms such as the Exponential Conference, Vantage Forum, Man Up, The Hangout and the Business Roundtable bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, young people and executives to discuss leadership, work ethics, relationships and purpose. These forums, which often blend faith-based perspectives with practical insights, have attracted participants from across sectors.
In remarks following the award, Akinlabi considers the recognition as a reminder of leadership’s broader responsibilities. “This recognition is a reminder that leadership is ultimately about service and the responsibility to create value beyond oneself. True leadership is measured not by titles, but by impact, integrity and the legacy we leave behind,” he said.
His influence also extends through authorship and digital engagement. Akinlabi has written several books, including I Am Possible, From Fear to Faith, Don’t Waste Your Pain and Grace at Work, which explore themes of resilience, purpose, workplace ethics and personal growth. His writings and online presence have helped him reach audiences beyond Nigeria, particularly among younger professionals seeking frameworks that combine faith, ambition and social responsibility.
