…Encourages youth to embrace leadership roles at Lagos Summit

…As Ex-Minister Fashola advocates for inclusive leadership

…Olu of Warri, others speak at Lagos Leadership Summit

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has credited his leadership growth to the mentorship he received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a fundamental aspect of his journey in public service.

Speaking at the Lagos Leadership Summit on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu shared with an eager audience of youths how Tinubu’s guidance and trust in him during key moments of his career helped him unlock his potential as a leader.

Sanwo-Olu, who was appointed by Tinubu as Special Adviser on Economic Matters in the latter’s tenure as Governor of Lagos, reflected on the transformative role that mentorship played in his personal and professional development. During his address, the Governor recounted how Tinubu gave him the opportunity to serve in multiple roles within the Lagos State government, setting the stage for his subsequent rise in leadership.

“He gave me opportunities that exposed me to different aspects of governance. I served in multiple roles — from Transportation to Public Safety, Environment to Education. I was constantly challenged to perform and grow,” Sanwo-Olu explained. “This was not just about carrying out tasks; it was about personal growth and understanding what true leadership meant. It was through this that I began to see the essence of servant leadership.”

Sanwo-Olu’s account offered insight into the formative years of his political career, where he was continuously entrusted with new and challenging roles that tested his ability to lead. His journey began after he transitioned from his career as an investment banker into public service in 2002, and it was during this period under Tinubu’s leadership that Sanwo-Olu truly honed his skills.

“As Special Adviser to Governor Tinubu, I was exposed to a wide range of experiences. From international trips that involved negotiations with multinational companies to managing key government portfolios, I was thrust into the deep end,” Sanwo-Olu recalled. “Tinubu’s leadership was not about handing over tasks but about building capacity. I was entrusted with tasks that were integral to the state’s development, and with that came the opportunity to prove myself.”

The Governor described how Tinubu’s mentorship extended beyond mere administrative roles. He noted how Tinubu’s emphasis on creating a forward-thinking, modern city inspired his own approach to leadership. “Tinubu started laying the foundation for the transformation of Lagos into a modern city, and I was fortunate to be a part of that vision. He always pushed me to think beyond the immediate and to see the bigger picture,” Sanwo-Olu said.

This early exposure to diverse leadership responsibilities, Sanwo-Olu explained, taught him valuable lessons in managing people, solving complex problems, and implementing strategies for long-term success. He said that the opportunity to work under Tinubu, who prioritised the development of young leaders, not only refined his professional abilities but also shaped his personal philosophy of leadership.

“Mentorship is about more than just giving advice,” Sanwo-Olu continued. “It’s about providing a platform to grow, to fail, and to get back up. Tinubu was that mentor for me. His belief in me and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders has made all the difference in my journey.

Sanwo-Olu further explained how the lessons he learned under Tinubu’s leadership continued to influence his current work as Governor. He encouraged the youths in the audience to embrace leadership challenges and to seek out mentors who could guide them through the various stages of their own careers.

“Young people must be open to learning and adapting,” Sanwo-Olu advised. “Leadership is not a straight path. There will be failures, but those moments are opportunities to grow. For me, mentorship was a critical part of my success. I urge you to seek out mentors who will push you, challenge you, and help you see the bigger picture, just as I was fortunate to have.”

In addition to Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was also present at the summit. He spoke on the importance of inclusion and diversity in leadership, underscoring the need for pragmatic approaches to governance that truly serve all people. Fashola’s remarks tied into Sanwo-Olu’s message, reinforcing the importance of collective growth through mentorship and inclusivity.

The event, organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) at Konga Place in Lekki, was themed “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models.” It brought together various leaders and experts who discussed how young people could shape the future of Nigeria by embracing leadership and nation-building.

LJLA Executive Secretary Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade reflected on the significance of the summit, noting that it provided a valuable opportunity for young people to come together, share ideas, and collaborate towards achieving common goals. “Collaboration is at the heart of this summit,” Agbaje-Okunade said. “We are here to build together, learning from one another’s experiences to create a future we can all be proud of.”

Sanwo-Olu’s message to the young audience was clear: true leadership requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from those who have walked the path before. He closed his address by reminding them that leadership is not about titles, but about the positive impact one can make on the community and the country at large.

The summit featured discussion panels on how young people can channel their energy and expertise towards building a unified country. Notable panellists included the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, and the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal.

LJLA Executive Secretary, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, pointed out that the large turnout at the summit demonstrated the urgency of fostering conversations that would drive the change young people wish to see in the country.

“The Lagos Leadership Summit brings together thinkers, dreamers, and builders to bridge generational gaps,” Agbaje-Okunade said. “The future young people seek cannot exist in isolation from the efforts of the past. This forum recognises that progress is not made by individuals, but by communities that dare to collaborate. Collaboration is at the heart of this summit, and participants are here to build together.”