By Kayode Olopade
The Lagos State Government, on Friday, marked another milestone in its quest to raise a new generation of transformational leaders as the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) held its graduation ceremony for the 2024/2025 cohort and induction of the 2025/2026 Fellows in Ikeja.
The event, held at Balmoral Hall, Ikeja, was graced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who commended the resilience and commitment of the graduating Fellows, describing the Academy as a bold step towards institutionalising leadership that is visionary, principled, and impactful.
Sanwo-Olu said the Academy, named after the late first civilian Governor of Lagos, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, is designed to bridge the gap between youth aspirations and practical leadership, stressing that leadership is “not by accident but a product of vision, preparation and character.”
“I charge the graduating Fellows to be agents of change who embody character, conviction and service to the greater good. This Academy is a testament to excellence and to our collective belief that leadership must be nurtured deliberately,” the Governor said.
The Governor also unveiled Torchbearers, a book authored by the 2024/2025 Fellows, and pledged his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Academy to become a global model for leadership development.
A total of 30 Fellows graduated after completing the one-year fully funded residential programme, while 30 new Fellows were inducted into the 2025/2026 session.
The Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, disclosed that so far 60 Fellows have graduated, with more than 85 per cent now serving in leadership roles across sectors. She praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the vision, adding that the Academy’s mission is to “institutionalise principled public leadership” through collaboration between government and the private sector.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Alumni Advisory Council, Adepeju Balogun, highlighted the council’s impact, including mentoring over 200 youths, producing an Alumni Constitution in June 2025, and advancing sustainability initiatives that will deliver lasting benefits to Lagos State.
She described the Academy as “a beacon of excellence” that continues to produce leaders making significant contributions across Nigeria.
The event featured goodwill messages from mentors, who urged the Fellows to remain impactful in every space they occupy. Special recognitions were also presented: Seyi Ugo emerged winner of the All-rounder Award, while the Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, received the Most Supportive Personality Award.
Since its inception, the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy has evolved into one of the state’s most ambitious human capital initiatives, fostering young leaders with the skills, values and exposure to drive meaningful change in governance and society
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