The Duchess International Magazine Leadership Summit 2026 marked a significant milestone in the publication’s international growth on October 14 to 16, by bringing together academics, public officials, entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders into Brighton, United Kingdom for a brainstorming session.
Organised by Duchess International Magazine, a publication of Custodian Global Consult Ltd, in collaboration with the University of Brighton, the three-day summit combined leadership dialogue, cultural engagement, professional networking and recognition of outstanding contributions to society.
Convened by Duchess Abolaji Odunuga, the event was held under the theme, “Honouring Our Communities: The Audacity to Lead, Redefining Power, Purpose and Legacy.”
The programme opened on October 14 with a Meet and Greet at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Brighton.
Ms Yemisi Jenkins MBE led the welcome, creating an opportunity for delegates to introduce themselves, establish professional connections and engage with fellow participants ahead of the main summit. The gathering set a collaborative tone for the programme, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds united by an interest in leadership, service and community development.
On October 15, delegates took part in a cultural sightseeing programme, visiting the Royal Pavilion and SEA LIFE Brighton.
Beyond the opportunity to experience some of Brighton’s prominent attractions, the excursion gave participants time to strengthen relationships in an informal setting. It complemented the summit’s emphasis on cross-cultural engagement, professional interaction and the value of building connections beyond the conference room.
The main summit took place at the University of Brighton on October 16, providing a platform for discussions on leadership, personal development, communication, accountability and community impact.
Anchored by Dr. Dayo Olomu, the event featured contributions from Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Karen Dobres, Tony Kalume, Valdirene Ruston, Hon. Sa’adatu Mohammed, Praise Agomounso, Dr Jess Moriarty, Dr. Yetunde Adeshile, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi and Funke Nnenanya Michaels.
Their presentations explored different dimensions of leadership, challenging participants to consider how individual responsibility, purposeful influence and collaboration can help address societal needs and create lasting value.
The programme concluded with the Duchess International Magazine Leadership Awards Night, anchored by Dr Femi Aratokun Ale and Tokunbo Olunloyo.
The ceremony recognised individuals whose contributions span governance, public service, women’s advancement, healthcare and community development.
Recipients included Hon. Daniel Amos, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Dr Yetunde Adeshile, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi and Hon. Joyce Viyanto Antonza Ibrahim.
The University of Brighton was also honoured, further highlighting the importance of institutional engagement in advancing leadership conversations and collaborative initiatives.
A key development from the summit was the call for the initiative to continue beyond its 2026 edition.
Dr. Lara Perry, Interim Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Science at the University of Brighton, called for continuity, underscoring the value of sustaining a platform that brings together academics, professionals, public officials and community leaders to exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The call added weight to discussions about the summit’s future and the potential to build on the relationships established in Brighton.
The collaboration between Duchess International Magazine and the University of Brighton provided an important foundation for the summit, connecting the publication’s leadership platform with an academic institution and creating space for dialogue across professional and cultural boundaries.
For Duchess International Magazine, the initiative reflects its broader commitment to celebrating leadership while encouraging conversations about social responsibility, community development and the constructive use of influence.
With the 2027 edition planned for October, attention is turning to how the summit can build on the momentum generated in Brighton.
The next edition presents an opportunity to deepen existing relationships, widen participation and strengthen collaboration among leaders and institutions. As Duchess International Magazine looks ahead, the 2026 summit stands as an important step in the platform’s international development, with the call for continuity adding impetus to its ambition to sustain leadership dialogue beyond a single events