The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) has officially welcomed its 2025/2026 cohort, beginning a new year of leadership, service, and experiential learning for the newly admitted Fellows, known as the “Class of Catalysts.”
The onboarding programme took place at the Lagos House in Ikeja and introduced the Fellows to LJLA’s mission, guiding values, and vision of developing a new generation of ethical and dynamic leaders.
During her address, LJLA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, encouraged the Fellows to embrace resilience, humility, and integrity as their compass throughout the programme. She described the Fellowship as an opportunity to step into the arena of public leadership where decisions and actions have the power to influence lives and reshape communities.
“You are stepping into a journey that will challenge and refine you; therefore, as ambassadors of the Academy, you must lead with courage, clarity, and conviction, because your leadership will influence lives and shape the future,” she said.
As part of the onboarding event, several Heads of Departments engaged the Fellows, sharing insights into their respective units and the roles they play in advancing LJLA’s mission. They explained the Academy’s collaborative structures and how these would provide support throughout the year.
The sessions were designed to provide both orientation and inspiration, reinforcing the Academy’s focus on holistic leadership development and capacity building.
One of the newly admitted Fellows, Bayode Oke, expressed his enthusiasm for the year ahead. “This Fellowship is a rare opportunity and I do not take it lightly, I am prepared to be stretched, to learn broadly and to grow into a more rounded leader. More than anything, I am ready to shoulder the responsibility that comes with this mantle of leadership,” he stated.