By Precious Enaike

Organisers of the Exponential Conference have said its 10th edition reflects a broader effort to confront leadership drift and restore originality and integrity across faith and marketplace institutions.

The conference, which has grown into a platform for church and marketplace leaders across Africa, will be held under the theme “DNA: Distinctive. Novel. Authentic.”

Organisers said the anniversary edition is intended as both a reflection on the past decade and a reassessment of leadership direction.

Convener of the conference, Pastor Godman Akinlabi, said the milestone was less about scale and more about purpose.

“Ten years of Exponential is not just about numbers or longevity. It’s about obedience to an assignment. God is calling leaders back to who they truly are. In a world that rewards imitation and performance, Exponential 2026 is a call to rediscover your divine DNA and lead from authenticity, conviction, and Kingdom purpose,” he said.

More than 5,000 church and business leaders are expected to participate physically and virtually, including through about 40 experience centres in and outside Nigeria. The organisers said the conference would focus on leadership identity, originality and integrity, which they see as increasingly lacking in both church and business environments.

According to the organisers, the theme is built around three ideas : distinctive, novel and authentic ,which they said are meant to challenge leaders to move away from imitation, embrace new ideas and lead from personal conviction.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, breakout discussions, workshops and an exhibition marketplace that links ministry and enterprise. Organisers said the programme is designed to equip professionals, entrepreneurs and faith leaders to influence business, culture and public life beyond church settings.

Director of the Exponential Network, Pastor Debo Omotunde, said the conference has had a lasting impact over the past decade.

“I have been privileged to coordinate the Exponential Conference from its very first edition and witnessed its impact on churches, organisations, and leaders. I have seen lives transformed, capacity enlarged, and new initiatives launched,” he said, adding that this year’s edition would be a moment of renewal for participants.

A mix of church leaders and business figures will speak at the event, including Dr Mensa Otabil of the International Central Gospel Church, Dr Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Jerry Eze of Streams of Joy International, Mrs Ibukun Awosika of The Chair Centre Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka of Coscharis Group, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji of Andela and Flutterwave, Leke Alder, and Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, among others.

The organisers added that this edition is intended to reaffirm the conference’s focus on raising leaders who are “spiritually grounded, culturally relevant, and boldly original.”