Sanwo-Olu urges LJLA fellows to surpass Jakande’s legacy
By Adeola Ogunrinde –
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged the Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) to surpass the achievements of the late former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He said the level of training they had received equipped them to excel in life and leadership.
The Governor gave the advice on Monday during the final mentoring session with the 2024/2025 set of Fellows, tagged Parting Fireside Chat with Mr Governor, at the Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja. He was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu explained that the Academy was established to institutionalise Jakande’s legacy, describing it as one of the best leadership schools in the world. He noted that Jakande’s tenure between 1979 and 1983 was marked by swift and impactful governance that left lasting benefits for Lagos.
He highlighted Jakande’s achievements, including doubling the number of public schools, developing low-cost housing estates, and laying the foundation for Lagos State University (LASU). He said these accomplishments set a standard for effective governance.
The Governor told the Fellows they were stepping into “big shoes” but encouraged them to aim higher. “You can do better and outshine the history set by Baba Kekere,” he said, adding that the programme intentionally reflects Nigeria’s diversity while giving preference to Lagosians.
He urged them to take the Academy’s vision to the global stage, competing with leadership institutions worldwide. Sanwo-Olu also thanked the Lagos State House of Assembly for passing the bill establishing the Academy.
Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support. She said the programme had exposed the Fellows to policy formulation, wellness, mental health awareness, resilience, and other capacity-building courses.
She commended the Fellows for their dedication, expressing confidence that they would make meaningful contributions to society and uphold the values of the Academy.
