LJLA 2025: Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, monarchs advocate transformative, selfless leadership

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and several traditional rulers have called for a more transformative and selfless style of leadership that inspires the next generation. They made this call at the 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit, organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), held in Lagos with the theme “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive & Inclusive Models.”

Dignitaries present included the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; and the Emir of Zazzau, His Highness Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli. Governor Sanwo-Olu, speaking as Chief Host during a fireside chat, described leadership as a higher call to service that requires humility and effective communication.

He cited Lagos State’s leadership evolution—from President Bola Tinubu’s era to Fashola, Ambode, and himself—as an example of continuity and growth through learning, unlearning, and relearning. “Leadership is about the generations coming behind you,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the mentorship he received from Tinubu, stressing the importance of loyalty and humility in public service. “As a leader, don’t believe you know it all,” he added.

Speaking on “The Inclusion Imperative,” Fashola urged Nigerian youth to resist divisive narratives and instead focus on national unity. He said the 1979 and 1999 constitutions promote inclusion and national integration, urging leaders to give meaning to these ideals.

The Olu of Warri emphasized the role of traditional rulers in motivating the youth, saying royal fathers have valuable insights to offer the next generation. The Emir of Zazzau lamented that some leaders have abandoned their roots, robbing young people of the chance to learn from their heritage.

The Oniru of Iruland highlighted the importance of preserving culture, noting that Lagos traditional rulers have successfully adapted their roles to reflect the state’s diverse ethnic composition.

Executive Secretary of the Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said LJLA was founded by Governor Sanwo-Olu to bridge ambition and talent. She noted that the academy has graduated 60 fellows, with another 30 currently undergoing training.