Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) to approach public leadership with patience, continuous learning and a strong commitment to delivering solutions.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge during the final mentorship session for the 2025/2026 LJLA cohort held at Lagos House, Marina.
The session offered the fellows an opportunity to engage directly with the governor and gain practical insights into leadership, governance, decision-making and the demands of public service.
Sanwo-Olu told the fellows that effective leadership should ultimately be judged by its ability to solve problems and create measurable impact, rather than by positions or titles.
He also encouraged them to remain patient with the leadership process and continue learning as they develop their careers in public service and other sectors.
The governor urged the fellows to maintain the relationships established during their time at the academy, saying the networks and experiences gained through the programme should form the basis for continued collaboration after the fellowship.
He also encouraged the cohort to build a strong alumni network capable of sustaining the academy’s leadership-development objectives beyond individual fellowship cycles.
In her welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, thanked the governor for his continued support for youth development and leadership initiatives in Lagos.
She said the mentorship session provided the fellows with an opportunity to draw from Sanwo-Olu’s experience and develop a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that come with public leadership.
The fellows also presented policy recommendations on issues affecting Lagos State during the session, outlining practical approaches through which young professionals could contribute to the state’s development.
The engagement was attended by members of the Lagos State Executive Council and other senior government officials.
Speaking during the vote of thanks, the President of the 2025/2026 cohort, Abdulazeez Olumide Abdulazeez, appreciated the governor and other government officials for giving the fellows direct access to policymakers and public sector leaders.
The final mentorship session marked another stage in the fellows’ leadership development as they prepare to take the knowledge, networks and experiences gained through the academy into their respective professional and public service journeys.
