Sanwo-Olu urges young leaders to shape Lagos’ future

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) has celebrated the graduation of its 2025/2026 cohort and welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing young Nigerians for leadership and public service.

Speaking during the graduation and induction event held in Ikeja on Friday evening, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the graduates of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to utilise the knowledge and experience gained during their fellowship to promote positive change and bolster leadership across Nigeria.

He encouraged the young leaders to view the programme not as the conclusion of their training, but as the start of their duty to society.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, was honoured with an award at the ceremony, where 30 fellows of the 2024/2025 cohort, known as the “Class of Catalysts,” were presented with their certificates of completion and the induction of another 30 fellows into the 2025/2026 fellowship year. The Governor stated at the event, that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was created to bridge the gap between the ambitions of young Nigerians and the realities of leadership in the public sector.

He said his administration established the academy and named it after the late former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande, knowing that the former Governor demonstrated that true leadership was not measured by the duration in office or the number of projects completed, but by the lives transformed and the institutions established.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed conviction that the Academy would outlive his administration, noting that it was being built as a permanent asset of Lagos State rather than a programme dependent on any specific administration’s personality or budget priorities.

He challenged the graduating fellows to implement the lessons learned during their fellowship whenever they face challenging situations in their professional lives.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also revealed that over 16,000 applications were received for the new cohorts, describing the selection of successful fellows as proof of the confidence the Academy has in their potential.

He urged the new fellows to embrace discomfort, to learn to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and to be willing to contribute even when they are the least experienced in the room.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasised the importance of creating a clear pathway from the Academy into public service, stating that young Nigerians should not be trained for leadership without opportunities to apply their skills within government and other institutions.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the fellows must be able to learn, unlearn, and relearn. He advised them not to be daunted by the future, as they are part of the administration’s modest experience.

Dr. Hamzat urged the fellows not to fear technological change but to adapt quickly and utilise emerging technologies to address societal issues.

He encouraged the fellows to carry forward the legacy of the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, by demonstrating through their actions that leadership is primarily about impact.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the political will and support that enabled the Academy’s growth.

She remarked that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to empowering young people and providing them with leadership opportunities has inspired fellows to pursue careers in public service.

She also commended Dr. Hamzat for prioritising youth development, noting that both the Governor and Deputy Governor have shown confidence in young Nigerians by entrusting them with responsibilities.

The Executive Secretary added that the Academy’s aim is not just to train young people but to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained translate into meaningful career opportunities and leadership roles.

She urged the incoming cohort to recognise the responsibilities that come with being selected and to use the experience to contribute meaningfully to society.

During his address, the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, encouraged the fellows to find their way in life and not to follow the crowd, urging them to dare to fail and to overcome their fears.

Some of the stakeholders at the event praised the Lagos State Government for maintaining the vision of the Academy.