The campus of McPherson University is set to become home to a landmark project that blends remembrance, vision, and national transformation. This announcement took center stage during the 18th Annual Lecture of the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF), held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos. The lecture, which honoured the lives and legacies of the Foundation’s late co-founders, Rev. Dr. Wilson Badejo and Rev. Mrs. Yinka Badejo, became a defining moment for McPherson University as it was unveiled as the location for the Foundation’s Legacy Project: a world-class memorial park.

The choice of McPherson University as the site for this iconic development is no coincidence. During his lifetime, Rev. Dr. Wilson Badejo played a pivotal role in the establishment of the University while serving as General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria. The Legacy Project, therefore, is not just an architectural addition to the campus, it is a homecoming of vision, faith, and purpose.

Renowned leadership expert, Fela Durotoye, delivered the keynote address titled “Leadership Reimagined: Framework for Empowering the Next Generation of Nation Builders.” His powerful speech resonated with McPherson’s mission of raising transformational leaders. He challenged the audience, particularly the younger generation, to embody integrity, innovation, and impact, stating, “You don’t need to buy leadership, you inspire it.” His words were a call to action that directly aligns with McPherson University’s values and educational philosophy.

Mr. Muyiwa Ige, celebrated architect and distinguished guest, formally revealed the memorial park project, describing it as a space that will rival internationally renowned memorial parks. Backed by the Foundation’s growth and sustained influence, he explained that McPherson University was strategically chosen due to its historical ties with the Badejo family and its remarkable developmental strides. Mr. Ige highlighted the University’s nearly completed 5,000-seater Multipurpose Hall as a symbol of the institution’s forward momentum and readiness to host such a prestigious project.

In his own heartfelt remarks, Mr. Femi Badejo, Vice Chairman of the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation, expressed profound joy and appreciation to God for the tremendous growth the Foundation had experienced. He underscored the remarkable fact that while statistics often indicate most foundations falter after the demise of their founders, the WYBF had, by divine grace, continued to wax stronger. He concluded with a passionate call for continued and even stronger support for the Foundation, enabling them to sustain their charitable efforts and bring the ambitious legacy project to fruition.

The event drew to a close with Rev. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, Visitor to McPherson University and Chairman of the occasion, offering a vote of thanks. He assured Mr. Ige and the Foundation that the highlighted new Multipurpose Hall, among other projects, would soon be commissioned in the coming months. The distinguished gathering also included the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Francis Igbasan; the former First Lady of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Lecture, Chief Mrs. Bola Obasanjo; the Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru; and many other esteemed men and women from diverse walks of life, all bearing witness to a day of profound reflection, inspiring vision, and a promising future for both the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation and McPherson University.

As the Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation forges ahead with its ambitious vision, McPherson University stands poised to not only host but embody this next chapter of impact. The Legacy Project signals more than infrastructural development, it marks a deepening of the University’s commitment to shaping leaders, honoring history, and building a future rooted in purpose.