On Wednesday, the pioneer cohort of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) fellows held a memorable farewell, reflecting on their year-long journey of enacting positive change in their communities.
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The 29 fellows completed the leadership program that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu started in order to develop and create a new generation of leaders who would use leadership and practical skills to address problems across a range of requirements. With a newfound understanding of governance and the ability to assume duties that would affect both their communities and jobs, the graduates bowed out of the school.
At a ceremony held at Marcellina’s Place in Ikeja GRA, attended by members of the State Executive Council, government employees, and executives from the private sector, Gov. Sanwo-Olu personally gave the fellows their certificates of completion.
Tuesday night’s graduation took place at the State House in Marina, where there had been a supper with the governor and a last mentoring session. Sanwo-Olu, who designated the fellows as Special Assistants in several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to find gaps in their areas of responsibility, provided them with direct mentoring.
The passing-out ceremony was hailed by Sanwo-Olu as “a significant milestone” in the history of leadership development in Lagos and the nation. She emphasised that this accomplishment was a tribute to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos, whose memory and honour the academy was founded in.
The fellowship, according to the governor, was designed to develop the next generation of leaders capable of navigating the complexity of the public sector and laying the moral groundwork required to promote constructive change. “I have been following these guys’ journey for the past year, and I have to say that their transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary,” he said.
They have embraced the Academy’s demanding and varied curriculum, which skilfully combines theoretical understanding with real-world application.
“By participating in stimulating workshops, creative problem-solving sessions, and receiving guidance from prominent figures in the world and the industry, these young individuals have not only gained knowledge but have also flourished, exhibiting a resolute dedication to quality, originality, and honesty.”
Telling the fellows that their academy graduation marked the start of a lifetime leadership adventure, Sanwo-Olu urged them to face new challenges with courage and dedication.
The Governor expressed his joy at the academy’s first graduation, pointing out that the goals of the fellowship were being met in light of the achievements made by the first fellows. “We encountered challenges at the beginning of this program that made me question if we made the right decision,” he said. I am appreciative that the fellowship has gone above and above our expectations and has been headed in the right direction.
Sincerity of purpose has powered the endeavour, and I am grateful for the fellows’ faith in me. “Fellows, you bring with you not only the knowledge and abilities you have gained, but also the dreams and hopes of a great number of people who have faith in your abilities.
You are leading the way into a new era of leadership that will shape Lagos, Nigeria, Africa, and the entire world. The Governor’s dedication and support for the program, according to LJLA Executive Secretary Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, has been instrumental in promoting social transformation and community service in Lagos and beyond.
She stated that the Leadership Academy was more than just a fellowship program and that it was now a platform that offered opportunities and hope to upcoming generations of leaders. Its goal was to create a world in which leadership would be associated with advancement, kindness, and service.
Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc, informed the fellows that the fellowship had given them invaluable information and experience to pursue new prospects. “As leaders, you can only lead effectively when you lead people to where you have not been. You cannot lead people to where you have been.” he stated.
You would now need to be recognised by the contributions you make to society. You have to rise to this challenge without fail. Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, stated in his remarks that Lagos reached a significant milestone on the day the program was introduced. He called the fellowship “a game changer” in terms of developing future leaders and policy makers.
“The knowledge and experience the fellows have gathered must not be allowed to waste,” the king urged the State Government to include the fellows. Bashirat Shodipo, speaking on behalf of the fellows, acknowledged that the voyage had begun on an uncertain note but added that their shared passion and appreciation of one another’s diversity improved their capacity to work as a team to overcome the obstacles.
The fellows expressed their gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the fellowship opportunity and the investment in their future, stating that history will be kind to the Governor for starting it.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
28 AUGUST 2024
