From Jos, Northcentral Nigeria, Gabriel Obadiah Makan has spent his life serving his community with courage, faith, and a deep commitment to leadership development. A clergy member and coordinator at the University of Jos Chapel, Gabriel also leads a non-profit dedicated to supporting Christians and communities affected by violent insurgent attacks in Northern Nigeria. His story is a powerful example of how the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) has equipped and inspired him to bring healing, hope, and transformation to the lives of vulnerable young people.

A Calling Rekindled Through the Summit

After completing an eight-year public service role as a special assistant to the governor, Gabriel found himself in a season of reflection—seeking a new way to serve strategically. Then came the invitation to attend the GLS, introduced to him by Vineyard Community Church Cincinnati, USA. Initially skeptical about the idea of a video-based leadership conference, Gabriel’s first experience in Bracknell, United Kingdom, changed his perspective forever.

Since 2008, Gabriel has attended 16 GLS events in Jos and now serves as a Regional Coordinator and Producer, overseeing GLS sites across seven states in Northern Nigeria.

Hosting GLS in the Midst of Conflict

Jos and its surrounding communities have long suffered from violent conflict and insurgent attacks. Thousands of families have been displaced, and children have been orphaned or severely traumatized. Gabriel and his team began hosting GLS events not only for local leaders but also for orphans and children in shelters.

One of the most impactful moments was hosting a GLS event specifically for children in orphanage homes. “These children had lost their sense of self-worth,” Gabriel shares. “But hearing stories of others who had overcome similar hardships helped them realize they still had value.”

Through GLS, Gabriel organized trauma healing sessions that encouraged forgiveness, restored dignity, and helped these children rediscover hope. “It was gladdening to me that we could bring back joy, purpose, and a sense of worth to lives devastated by violence,” he says.

Leadership That Multiplies

As a leader passionate about mentorship and community transformation, Gabriel believes the power of leadership is best seen when it’s shared. Through his non-profit and his work with GLS, he has equipped other leaders across the region to bring the Summit experience to their own communities—amplifying its reach and multiplying its impact.

His favorite verse, 1 Corinthians 3:6, reflects this mindset: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” For Gabriel, GLS is the planting ground where vision is sown, and God continues to grow it beyond what anyone imagined.

The Joy of Giving Back

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Gabriel says: “In the course of adding value to others, so much value has been added to my own life.” His story reminds us that leadership is not a platform for status, but a path to service.

With over 15 years of dedication to the GLS movement, Gabriel has helped bring leadership resources to regions where they are desperately needed—and in doing so, he has helped restore broken lives and fractured communities.

Watch Gabriel’s GLS Story

Gabriel Makan’s journey from public servant to community restorer is a testament to the life-changing impact of the Global Leadership Summit. His work stands as a beacon of hope in conflict-affected regions.

Watch Gabriel’s story and be inspired by how GLS is igniting purpose and dignity where it’s needed most.