
HAMZAT STRESSES NEED TO TRAIN NIGERIAN YOUTHS FOR LEADERSHIP ROLES
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has stated that for Nigeria’s future to be strong and cemented, the nation has to deal with the question of creating structures and institutions that align with the nation’s dream and vision. This, according to him, can only be realised through competent and visionary leaders.
The Deputy Governor stated this on Thursday while speaking as a keynote speaker at the Lateef Kayode Jakande Academy (LKJA) Lagos Leadership Summit, with the theme: “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive, and Inclusive Models,” held at Konga Place, Elegushi, Lekki.
He added that the country must foster a culture of doing right, through which identified values can be available to all, regardless of status and primordial cleavage. Besides, he noted that Nations are built from shared history, especially of collective successes, that such draws the heart of members to a heritage that they are proud of, and helps in overcoming their present challenges, offering the unique opportunities to do just that.
Speaking further, Hamzat noted that leadership must create a new vision of Nigeria, a nation that serves its citizens by creating the enabling environment for progress and self-development, and a nation where the capacity of its citizens are given expression and foisted on the international level. He emphasised that some of the traits of good leaders include effective communication, creating a vision, honesty and integrity, among others.
The Deputy Governor said Nigerians must build a culture that reinforces the values and ethos that support the dream of a new Nigeria. He stressed that leaders at different levels must be people imbued with vision, the capacity to attract and deploy human and material resources, and above all, they have to be men/women of high moral standing and integrity.
He also noted that a free and responsible media is required to peddle a new narrative, one that promotes the good about the nation over and above the ills, adding that while there are a lot of comments on the leadership, followership must be ready for change. “The days of accepting pittance in the name of stomach infrastructure cannot be our ways,” Hamzat stated.
He added that Nigeria needs a leader who dares to confront present day challenges, and also be a man of integrity and focus, stressing that without integrity and demonstrated honesty, no leader can be effective, stressing that a lot of successful institutions all over the world need individuals, or their citizens, to build and sustain them, adding that active and responsible citizenship is equally critical in the development of a nation or an institution.
While commending the Academy for remaining steadfast since its inauguration, in preparing the next generation of leadership within the Lagos State Public Service for the task ahead, he noted that many of its alumni are already impacting the service with ideas, innovations, and demonstrated commitment to preparing for the service of the future.
Commenting on the theme of the Summit, Hamzat noted that it represents the Academy’s desire to create a compelling and pragmatic framework within which leaders can interpret roles correctly and effectively guide all to the overall vision of building a community of shared values and interests, adding that It is a copious effort to solve a problem that seems pervasive and elusive to us as a nation.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade said that the Summit creates a unique space for emerging leaders, policymakers, and business executives to engage in thought-provoking discussions on transformative leadership, economic realities, governance, and the role of young leaders in shaping policy and driving meaningful societal change.
According to Agbaje-Okunade, “Through the Summit, we have successfully engaged over 5,000 young leaders and generated actionable insights that have informed youth policies and strategies in Lagos and beyond.”
She added that the Lagos Leadership Summit (LLS) is a bold and urgent vision to raise a generation of leaders who are not only responsive to the times but also radically committed to shaping a future that is inclusive, ethical, and transformational.