Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola (SAN), and traditional rulers, including the Emir of Zazzau Nuhu Bamalli, on Wednesday, advocated for transformative and selfless leadership that will serve as an example for youths.
The prominent Nigerians spoke at the Lagos Leadership Summit 2025, organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy. LJLA, with the theme ‘Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive & Inclusive Models held in Lagos.
Fashola, a former governor in the state who was the guest speaker, called on Nigerians to reject agents of division and exclusion, urging citizens to focus on shared values in an era increasingly defined by identity politics.
Fashola, who spoke on the topic: “The inclusion imperative: Why no one wins when leadership leaves people behind”, emphasised the importance of unity and inclusiveness.
He noted that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution already has strong provisions promoting national cohesion and inclusion.
Fashola stressed the need for leaders across all levels to collaborate to give practical meaning to these constitutional imperatives.
According to him, authentic leadership ensures that everyone is included, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations.
“The1999 Nigerian constitution has been promoting inclusion and national integration, among others, and leaders must work together to give meaning to this to ensure no one is left behind,” Fashola said.
In his address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the chief host of the event, reiterated his administration’s dedication to good governance.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke on the topic: “From Leadership to Legacy: Designing systems that work without you”, said he had been lucky to take forward the aggressive leadership of past leaders and had been able to innovate, urging people to get a good education and do well in whatever assignment and level they find themselves.
“I was able to keep re-inventing myself, being able to innovate. Even when I fail, I keep picking myself up. As a leader, one needs to understand that, at every point, there are teachable moments that will build one’s character.
“I am urging people to get a good education and do well in whatever assignments and levels they find themselves in. Leadership is service.”
He urged the youth to maximise opportunities by doing their best and surrounding themselves with knowledgeable people.
The Emir of Zazzau lamented that many leaders have abandoned their roots, depriving the younger ones of the opportunity to learn from them.
“As politicians, you have to reach out to your community. There should be a handshake between the youth and traditional rulers so that they can pass on traditions to younger ones,” he said.
The Oniru of Iruland opined that the youth are the future of our culture, saying that in Lagos State, traditional rulers have modelled their culture around multi-ethnic groups.
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