The pioneer cohorts of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) have graduated.
The 29 fellows of the pioneer set are graduating after one year of intensive immersion into the leadership ideals and styles of the Lagos State government.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as ‘a very significant milestone, not just in the lives of these remarkable young people, but also in the unfolding story of leadership development in Lagos State and Nigeria’.
Sanwo-Olu admonished the fellows to use the knowledge and leadership skills
acquired to define the future of Lagos, Nigeria and Africa.
The governor also promised that one of the graduating fellows will be employed to oversee the alumni office to ensure the fellows keep in touch.
He added: “This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of our country’s most illustrious leaders, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, whose vision and values continue to inspire and guide us.
“We conceived the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to nurture the next generation of public sector leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of our time.
Our mission was clear: to empower young, dynamic, and visionary individuals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations necessary to drive positive change within their communities, our state, and beyond.
“We recognise that leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority; it is about influencing, uplifting others, and steering society toward a more just, equitable, and prosperous future.
“Over the past year, I have closely followed the journey of these Fellows, and I must say, their transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have embraced the rigorous and diverse curriculum of the Academy, which seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
“This ceremony is more than just a celebration of their achievements, it is a celebration of the vision we set out to achieve with the establishment of this Academy. Today, I am filled with a profound sense of fulfilment and optimism, and deeply excited that the goals of the Academy are being realised; embodied in this set of inaugural Fellows who are now poised to take on the challenges of the future with courage and determination.
“As we celebrate, we must also remember that this is only the beginning. The journey of leadership is a lifelong one, and the true measure of success lies not in what has been accomplished so far, but in what these Fellows will go on to achieve.
“The LJLA will continue to be a place where young leaders are nurtured, where their potential is unlocked, and where they are prepared to make significant contributions to society.
Our commitment to developing future leaders remains steadfast, and we will continue to provide the resources, support, and opportunities necessary for their growth.
Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, urged the government to put the knowledge and ideas of the fellows to good use by mainstreaming it into the civil service to better the service.
Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade congratulated the fellows on the feat, saying she was proud of their growth and achievements.
The second batch of fellows also got their nomination/offer letters at the event.
Of the 17,000 applications received, 30 made the final list.
