Lagos HoA advances bill to establish Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy
The Lagos State House of Assembly has moved a step closer to establishing the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, as a bill proposing its creation passed its second reading on Thursday.
During the legislative session, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, referred the bill to the Committee on Education for further deliberation and refinement. The proposed law aims to honor the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a former Governor of Lagos State, by creating a leadership academy dedicated to fostering educational and leadership skills among young people in the state.
Lawmakers expressed unanimous support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to enhance Lagos State’s educational framework. Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Kasunmu highlighted that the academy would offer a unique opportunity to develop future leaders equipped with legislative and executive expertise. “This will create educational models that buttress the experience in legislative and executive prowess in the state,” Kasunmu said. He further expressed optimism that the academy would drive educational growth and nurture future generations.
Hon. Femi Saheed also voiced support, noting that the establishment of the academy would provide a customized leadership training ground for youth development across cultural, social, and academic domains. “If the law is passed, it is going to serve as a customized leadership academy that will grow our youths culturally, socially, and in academics,” Saheed stated. He also emphasized that the academy could enhance the state’s feedback mechanisms.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, described the bill as evidence of the government’s commitment to developing leaders with advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills. He praised the initiative as a positive innovation but cautioned against allowing elitist influences and marginalization in the academy’s admission process once the bill is enacted into law.
Lawmaker Aro Moshood referred to the proposal as a forward-thinking initiative, suggesting that the academy should also focus on technological innovations and their applications in leadership roles and activities.
The bill’s progress marks a significant step towards creating a dedicated institution aimed at cultivating leadership skills and knowledge among the youth in Lagos State, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet future challenges.
The session concluded with the House affirming its commitment to thorough review and further discussion of the bill in the committee stage to ensure it aligns with the educational and leadership aspirations of the state.
