Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has commended the pioneer 29 graduates of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) for exhibiting exemplary charisma in the last one year.
Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation at the graduation ceremony of the 2023/2024 Class of Pacesetters held on Wednesday in Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the academy conducts a programme that aims to build leadership skills, awareness among young people to tackle challenges in various fields especially in the public sector.
The programme offers first-hand experience into the process of governance at a state government level.
The governor urged the graduates to remain dedicated to the course of leadership and endeavour to be a beacon of hope in their chosen fields; be it in the public or private sector.
“Today is a special day, marking the graduation ceremony of the pioneer cohorts of the LJLA.
“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.
“This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of our nation’s most illustrious leaders, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, whose vision and values continue to inspire and guide us.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said that the academy was established to train great leaders like the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
“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 foundation 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 about steering society toward a more just, equitable and prosperous future.
“Over the past year, they engaged in thought-provoking workshops, innovative problem-solving sessions and mentorship from global leaders and industry experts.
“These young men and women have not just learned, they have thrived, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, creativity, and integrity,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy would continue to be a place where young leaders were nurtured, where their potential was unlocked and where they were 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.
Sanwo-Olu applauded the management and staff of the academy, under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, for leading by example.
Out of 17,000 applications, 30 sets of incoming fellows were inducted into the leadership academy programme, consisting of 15 men and 15 women who were selected.
The Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, urged the governor to ensure the cohorts are given roles to further equip them for leadership roles in the near future.
Similarly the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr Abubakar Suleiman, said it would be easier to guide people through because of experience gathered while offering the programme.
He urged graduates to build on the foundation laid for them.
During the course of the programme, the fellows inaugurated some initiatives.
NAN reports that the pioneer of the academy inaugurated a web application, Eko Laws Simplifier App, created to educate Lagos residents about laws and give accessibility to all and sundry.
Also during the one year leadership academy training, 500 residents of Ikosi-Ketu benefited from the medical outreach put together by the academy. (NAN)
