Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has encouraged young public service fellows to embrace accountability, thoughtful decision-making and people-centred leadership as they prepare for the next phase of their careers.
Eko Hot News reports that Sanwo-Olu gave the advice during the final mentorship session with the 2025/2026 cohort of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy at Lagos House, Marina.
The governor used the session to share experiences from his years in public service and discuss the responsibilities that come with leadership.
He told the fellows that effective leadership is not necessarily about having immediate answers to every challenge. Rather, he stressed the importance of listening, making difficult decisions and remaining accountable.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the need for leaders to keep the interests and welfare of citizens at the centre of their decisions.
According to him, public leadership requires a strong sense of responsibility and a willingness to serve beyond personal interests.
The governor noted that the mentorship session also provided an opportunity to hear directly from the young fellows and gain insights into their perspectives on the future of Lagos State.
He encouraged the participants to remain open to learning and to apply the lessons gained from the academy in their future professional and leadership roles.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is designed to develop young people with leadership potential and expose them to practical knowledge in governance, public administration and service.
The 2025/2026 cohort has undergone a series of learning and mentorship activities aimed at strengthening their leadership capacity and understanding of public service.
Sanwo-Olu urged the fellows to see their completion of the programme as the beginning of a broader journey rather than an end in itself.
He encouraged them to carry the values learned at the academy into their various fields and communities.
The governor stressed that purposeful leadership requires consistency, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.
He also urged the fellows to remain connected to the principles of service as they take on new responsibilities after completing the academy.
The mentorship session provided an opportunity for the governor and the participants to exchange ideas on leadership, governance and the future direction of Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu said young people have an important role to play in shaping the future of the state and should be prepared to contribute meaningfully to its development.
He expressed hope that the fellows would use the knowledge and experiences gained through the academy to make positive contributions wherever they find themselves.
The governor’s engagement with the cohort also highlighted the importance of mentorship in preparing emerging leaders for the demands of public service.
Through direct interaction with experienced public officials, participants can gain practical perspectives that complement their formal training.
The session further reinforced the importance of developing a new generation of leaders who understand the responsibilities associated with serving the public.
As the 2025/2026 fellows move beyond the academy, they are expected to apply their knowledge across different areas of professional and public life.
Sanwo-Olu urged them to remain committed to continuous learning, responsible leadership and service to society.
The governor’s message centred on the belief that leadership should be measured not only by authority but also by the ability to listen, respond responsibly and create meaningful impact.
He expressed confidence that the fellows would carry these principles forward as they begin their next steps after the academy.
The final mentorship session therefore served as both a learning opportunity and a reflection point for the participants as they transition from the leadership programme.
The Lagos State Government continues to emphasise leadership development and youth participation as important elements of building an effective and future-ready public service.
The completion of the academy’s latest cohort marks another step in efforts to nurture young talents and prepare them for greater responsibilities in Lagos and beyond.
Sanwo-Olu’s engagement with the fellows reaffirmed the value of mentorship, experience-sharing and continuous development in preparing emerging leaders for the challenges ahead.
