The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) at the weekend held its graduation for the 2024/2025 cohorts and induction ceremony for the new 2025/2026 Fellows, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s mission to nurture transformational leaders for Lagos State and Nigeria.
Thirty Fellows of the 2024/2025 class graduated after completing a year-long fully funded residential training supported by the Lagos State Government. Alongside the graduation, 30 new Fellows were inducted for the 2025/2026 session, continuing the Academy’s vision of grooming future leaders who will embody the values of public service and character.
Speaking at the ceremony on Friday evening in Ikeja, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the Academy as a bridge between the aspirations of young Nigerians and the responsibilities of leadership. He urged the graduating Fellows to become agents of change and uphold principles of service, conviction, and integrity.
“The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy is a testament to excellence and an affirmation of our belief that leadership is not by accident but the product of vision, preparation and character,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said. He further expressed his commitment to ensuring the Academy becomes one of the best globally, producing leaders who embrace responsibility and lead with intent.
The Governor also unveiled a book authored by the graduating Fellows, titled Torchbearers, which captures their collective experiences and vision for leadership in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the institution has so far trained 60 Fellows, with more than 85 per cent of them now serving in leadership roles across diverse sectors. She commended the visionary leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu and reiterated that the Academy’s mandate is to institutionalise principled public leadership.
“The graduation ceremony is a passage of leadership from one generation to the next, defined not by virtue but by consistency,” she said. Agbaje-Okunade called for greater collaboration with both government and the private sector to deepen impact and create more opportunities for future leaders.
Chairperson of the Alumni Advisory Council of the Academy, Adepeju Balogun, also highlighted the progress of the council. She said it had mentored 200 youths, established an alumni constitution in June 2025, and advanced sustainability initiatives to ensure lasting contributions to Lagos State. According to her, the Academy has grown into a beacon of excellence, producing alumni who now serve in diverse leadership capacities across the country.
Mentors at the event delivered goodwill messages, congratulating both the graduating class and the newly inducted Fellows. They encouraged them to remain impactful in society and to allow the Academy’s vision to guide their leadership journey.
Special recognitions were also given at the event. Seyi Ugo won the All-rounder Award, while Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Abisola Olusanya, was honoured as the Most Supportive Personality.