- Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Celebrates Graduates, Inducts New Fellows
- Academy has bridged gap between youth aspirations and leadership, says Sanwo-Olu
- Mrs. Agbaje-Okunade described the graduation as a passage of leadership from one generation to the next
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) over the weekend held its graduation for the 2024/2025 cohort and an induction ceremony for new Fellows, marking another milestone in its mission to cultivate transformational leaders for Lagos State and Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that thirty Fellows of the 2024/2025 class graduated after completing a year of fully funded residential training provided by the Lagos State Government.
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The event also saw the induction of 30 new Fellows for 2025/2026, ushering in a fresh generation of leaders tasked with upholding the Academy’s vision and values.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday evening in Ikeja, Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the Academy’s role in bridging the gap between youth aspirations and leadership.
He encouraged the graduating Fellows, the Academy named after the late first civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, to be agents of change who embody character, conviction, and commitment to public service.
Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the resilience of the Fellows, describing the Academy as a testament to excellence and a demonstration that leadership is shaped by vision, preparation, and character, not by chance.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making the Academy a global benchmark, nurturing leaders who embrace responsibility and lead with purpose.
During the ceremony, the Governor also unveiled a book authored by the graduating Fellows titled Torchbearers.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, noted that 60 Fellows have passed through the program so far, with over 85 percent holding leadership roles across various sectors and driving societal impact.
She commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership and reiterated that the Academy’s mandate is to institutionalize principled public leadership.
She called for stronger collaboration with both government and the private sector to deepen impact, expand opportunities, and prepare future generations of leaders.
Mrs. Agbaje-Okunade described the graduation as a passage of leadership from one generation to the next, emphasizing that such leadership is defined not by status but by consistency.
She highlighted the Academy’s role in fostering social change and principled public leadership for the benefit of Nigerians.
Also addressing the event, Adepeju Balogun, Chairperson of the Alumni Advisory Council, said the council has broadened its reach by mentoring 200 youths, producing an alumni constitution in June 2025, and advancing sustainability initiatives aimed at delivering lasting benefits for Lagos State.
She described the Academy as a beacon of excellence under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, producing Fellows and alumni who are excelling in leadership positions nationwide.
In their goodwill messages, mentors congratulated the graduates and newly inducted Fellows, encouraging them to remain impactful in their respective spheres and continue shaping society positively.
The ceremony also featured special recognitions, with Seyi Ugo receiving the All-rounder Award and Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture Abisola Olusanya honored as the Most Supportive Personality.
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