Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) recently participated in a high-level engagement with Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Principal Private Secretary to the President of Nigeria, during a fireside chat held at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
The session provided a rare window into the mechanics of high-level governance and the personal discipline required to serve at the peak of national administration.
Substance Over Visibility
During the session, Mr. Muri-Okunola, who previously served as the Head of Service of Lagos State, challenged the Fellows to redefine their understanding of authority.
He emphasized that true effectiveness in the public sector is often quiet and results-driven rather than performative.
“Leadership is not defined by the spotlight, but by the substance of impact,” Muri-Okunola stated.
Reflecting on his extensive experience supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu both during the President’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State and in his current role he noted that operating at the highest echelons of government demands discipline, emotional intelligence, and significant personal sacrifice.
The Architecture of Results
The veteran public servant urged the next generation of leaders to focus on the invisible work that sustains a nation. He highlighted that competence, structure, and continuous self-development are the non-negotiables for anyone looking to make a lasting difference in the public eye.
“The real work of leadership often happens away from public attention, but it is that work that delivers results,” he added, reinforcing the idea that sustainable change is built on a foundation of rigorous behind-the-scenes effort.
Cultivating a Leadership Pipeline
Earlier in the event, the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, explained that these engagements are vital to the Academy’s mission.
She noted that direct exposure to seasoned public servants provides the Fellows with critical insight into the realities of governance, helping to build a pipeline of responsive and effective leaders for Nigeria.
The session also saw participation from the current Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, who commended the Academy for its role in grooming future leaders. The engagement concluded with an interactive Q&A session where Fellows delved into leadership pathways and personal development strategies.
In her closing remarks, Cynthia Akhagbeme-Simeon, Head of the Programmes, Research and Development Unit of LJLA, reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to producing value-driven leaders capable of navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s future.
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