Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has revealed how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played a key role in preparing him for leadership roles by entrusting him with challenging assignments during his early years in public service.
Speaking at the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) Summit held at Konga Place, Lekki, Sanwo-Olu addressed hundreds of Nigerian youths and shared his personal story of growth in governance. He encouraged young people to take every opportunity seriously, no matter how small, as it could become the foundation for bigger roles in the future.
The summit, themed “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models”, brought together respected leaders and traditional rulers from across the country to discuss how to raise a new generation of impactful leaders.
Sanwo-Olu, who came from a private sector background as an investment banker, joined public service in 2002 when he was appointed Special Adviser on Economic Matters by then-Governor Tinubu. That appointment, he said, opened the door to a series of leadership roles that would shape his path toward becoming governor.
“I was appointed to serve as Special Adviser when former Governor, now President Tinubu, started to lay the groundwork for the transformation of Lagos into a modern city,” he said.
He explained that Tinubu constantly moved him across several ministries, each time expecting results. This, Sanwo-Olu noted, helped him build versatility, confidence, and leadership skills.
“I was crisscrossing from one portfolio to another, serving in areas that included Transportation, Environment, Public Safety, and Education,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu recalled his time in the Ministry of Transportation, where he worked hard to improve performance and boost staff morale. He was also deployed to handle revenue generation, where he focused on increasing internally generated revenue and enhancing staff efficiency.
“While I served in Transportation, I put in my best and challenged the personnel. In Environment, I changed the status quo. I was doing all of this without thinking of future expectations,” he said.
He stressed that every role he handled during that period helped sharpen his leadership qualities and prepared him for future responsibilities.
After Tinubu’s administration ended in 2007, Sanwo-Olu was appointed to serve under former Governor Babatunde Fashola. However, he was posted to a ministry many considered unimportant at the time.
“It was believed the position was not rewarding, but the task was one that would bring out your very best in terms of capacity and how you can transform human capital,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged the young participants at the summit not to lose hope when they face difficulties or experience failure.
“Failure is not the end of the road,” he said. “Every tough assignment is an opportunity to grow and show what you can do.”
He praised the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy for building a platform that prepares young people for leadership and nation-building.
Also speaking at the summit, former Minister of Works and Housing and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, emphasized the importance of inclusion and diversity in leadership. He said leaders must work to make people feel included in governance, even if not every single group can be represented at all times.
Fashola noted that the Nigerian Constitution promotes fairness and participation, especially under Sections 14 to 19 which deal with Federal Character, equality, and inclusiveness.
“Leaders have the responsibility to build a coalition of unity and belonging,” Fashola said. “What matters is not if everyone is included, but if the majority feel that the leader is making an effort not to leave anyone out.”
He added that platforms like town hall meetings are effective in ensuring people feel heard and valued in decision-making processes.
“People may feel included or excluded naturally, but a good leader must understand the situation and create avenues to bridge the gap,” he said.
Other traditional rulers who participated in the summit included the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali; and the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal. Each of them emphasized the role of traditional leadership in fostering unity and mentoring young leaders in their communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, expressed delight at the large turnout and active participation of youths at the event. She said the summit was a space for young Nigerians to engage with experienced leaders and gain insights on how to lead responsibly.
“This platform gives young leaders an opportunity to learn, partner, and share ideas for building the Nigeria they want to see,” she said.
The LJLA, named after the late Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, continues to serve as a leadership training ground for young Nigerians. Its mission is to raise future leaders who are competent, committed, and inclusive.
Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by telling participants to stay focused, be willing to learn, and take up even the smallest roles with seriousness.
“The simple tasks you do well today can open the door to greater responsibilities tomorrow. That was how my own journey began,” he said.
