Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged emerging leaders to embrace accountability, active listening and people-centred decision-making as essential principles of effective leadership.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Thursday during his final mentorship session with the 2025/2026 cohort of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy at Lagos House, Marina.
The governor, who shared lessons from his experience in public service with the Fellows, said leadership should not be defined by having all the answers but by the ability to listen, make difficult decisions and remain accountable to the people.
According to him, effective leaders must consistently place the interests and wellbeing of the people at the centre of their decisions.
“We talked about what real leadership demands. It is rarely about having every answer upfront but about listening, making tough choices, staying accountable, and keeping people at the center of every decision,” Sanwo-Olu said.
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The governor said the mentorship session also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with the Fellows on leadership and the future of Lagos State.
He noted that while he shared insights from his journey in public service, the young leaders also brought fresh perspectives on issues affecting the state and its future development.
Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that the Fellows would apply the lessons gained from the Academy as they move into the next phase of their professional and leadership journeys.
“As the Fellows take their next steps beyond the Academy, I hope they carry these lessons with them and continue to lead with purpose and a genuine commitment to service,” he said.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is an initiative of the Lagos State Government designed to develop young Nigerians with leadership skills and expose them to governance and public service.
Through mentorship and practical experience, the programme seeks to prepare emerging leaders for greater responsibilities in government, business and society.