The Church in Nigeria

In this episode, Kymberli Cook, Emmanuel Sobande, and Niyi Osomo discuss the diversity of Nigeria, the church's resilience amid persecution, and lessons it offers the Western church on faith and perseverance.

About the Contributors

Emmanuel Sobande

Emmanuel Toye Sobande is a strategic leadership expert, lawyer, and author of The Leadership Myth: Why Leadership Principles Do Not Work in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University and leads Stephens Leadership Consultancy LLC, providing innovative solutions for leaders and organizations. With over 24 years of experience, Sobande focuses on transformational leadership, organizational culture, and governance. He is the Publisher of the African Leadership Journal and writes weekly for BusinessDay Newspapers. A Certified Management Consultant and member of the International Leadership Association, he is a sought-after speaker and media contributor on leadership development. 

Kymberli Cook

Kymberli Cook is the Assistant Director of the Hendricks Center, overseeing the workflow of the department, online content creation, Center events, and serving as Giftedness Coach and Table Podcast Host. She is also a doctoral student in Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, pursuing research connected to unique individuality, the image of God, and providence. When she is not reading for work or school, she enjoys coffee, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her husband and daughters.

Niyi Osomo

Niyi Osomo is the founder and president of Mission Enablers International, a global mission mobilization organization focused on reaching the unreached. With over 25 years of ministry experience, Niyi began leading a student fellowship during his university years in Nigeria, igniting a passion for missions. He now partners with 37 mission groups and 200+ missionaries across Africa and Asia. Niyi is also the convener of the Mission Mobilization Academy, which has trained over 250 African leaders. He has visited over 400 mission fields and trained more than 4,000 missionaries. Niyi attends The Elevation Church in Lagos and is married with three children.