By Peter Emmanuel |
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has challenged fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) to use the knowledge and experience gained during their fellowship to promote positive change and strengthen leadership in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Friday evening at the graduation and induction ceremony of the academy held in Ikeja, where the 2025/2026 cohort graduated and a new set of fellows was inducted.
He urged the graduating fellows to see the end of their fellowship not as the conclusion of their leadership training but as the beginning of their responsibility to society.
The governor said the Academy was established to bridge the gap between the ambitions of young Nigerians and the realities of leadership in the public sector.
He also stressed the need for a clear pathway from the Academy into public service, saying young Nigerians should not be trained for leadership without opportunities to apply their skills in government and other institutions.
Sanwo-Olu Urges Fellows to Turn Lessons Into Action
Sanwo-Olu urged the graduating fellows to apply the lessons they learnt during the programme whenever they encounter difficult situations in their professional and personal lives.
He encouraged them to embrace discomfort and work with people from different backgrounds as they advance in their careers.
The governor said the ability to collaborate and contribute, even when one is the least experienced person in a room, would be important to their development as leaders.
He disclosed that more than 16,000 applications were received for the new cohorts of the Academy.
According to him, the selection of the successful fellows reflects the confidence placed in their abilities and potential to contribute to society.
Sanwo-Olu also received an award at the ceremony in recognition of his support for youth development and leadership training through the Academy.
LJLA Graduates 30 Fellows, Inducts New Cohort
The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to 30 fellows of the outgoing cohort, known as the “Class of Catalysts.”
Another 30 fellows were inducted into the new fellowship year as the Academy continued its programme of preparing young Nigerians for leadership and public service.
The Academy reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young people with the skills and experience required to contribute meaningfully to public service.
Sanwo-Olu said the Academy should serve as a platform through which young Nigerians can gain practical exposure to the realities of governance and leadership.
He urged the new fellows to take their selection seriously and make the most of the opportunities provided through the programme.
The governor said the experience gained through the Academy should ultimately translate into meaningful contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria.
Hamzat Charges Fellows to Embrace Technology, Adaptation
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat advised the fellows to learn, unlearn and relearn as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Hamzat urged them not to be discouraged by the future, saying their participation in the programme had given them valuable exposure to the workings of the administration.
He also advised the fellows not to fear technological changes but to adapt quickly and use emerging technologies to address societal challenges.
The Executive Secretary of the Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, thanked Sanwo-Olu for providing the political will and support that had contributed to the growth of the Academy.
Agbaje-Okunade said the governor’s commitment to empowering young people and creating leadership opportunities had encouraged fellows to pursue careers in public service.
She also commended Hamzat for prioritising youth development and urged the incoming fellows to recognise the responsibilities attached to their selection and use their experience to contribute meaningfully to society.
Sanwo-Olu Challenges LJLA Fellows on Leadership, Public Service
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