From the initial greetings to the final reflections, the Lagos Leadership Summit 2025 reverberated with a powerful and unyielding message: the future of Nigeria lies not in idle waiting but in proactive doing.
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Building a Foundation for Ethical and Inclusive Leadership
The first day unfolded with an exhilarating sense of hope and determination as leaders delved into the essential structural changes needed to nurture transformational leadership. The diverse agenda featured keynote addresses, masterclasses, intimate fireside chats, and roundtable discussions that probed into pressing issues—ranging from sustainable leadership tenures to fostering inclusivity, dismantling gender barriers, and integrating tradition with innovation.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, set a dynamic tone during a captivating fireside chat. He asserted, “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to transformative leadership. To create a functioning system, leaders must make early investments in education, clearly define the purpose behind their endeavors, and commit wholeheartedly.” How often do we see leaders merely mimicking the successes of others, rather than crafting their unique paths?
Adding to this discourse, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), addressed the audience with a thought-provoking goodwill message that challenged participants to reevaluate their understanding of inclusion. “If our teams consist solely of individuals from the same religion, culture, or gender, then we are missing the mark,” he emphasized. “Inclusion is a mindset that becomes tangible only when everyone feels seen and valued.” This raises a compelling question: What steps are we taking to ensure all voices are not just heard but genuinely integrated into our decision-making processes?
The day’s discussions took a poignant turn during a powerful roundtable on women in leadership, aptly themed “Breaking the Concrete Ceiling.” In a room charged with solidarity and strength, panelists dismantled persistent gender clichés, urging participants to embrace leadership that is authentic and resolute. One speaker passionately reminded the audience, “Femininity is not a weakness. It is both delicate and fierce. Own your brilliance.” This resonates with the ongoing conversations surrounding gender dynamics in leadership across the globe, doesn’t it?
Traditional wisdom was richly shared during a roundtable titled “The Royal Pact: Uniting Tradition and Youth for Nation-Building.” His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri, spotlighted the significance of anchoring leadership in cultural values. “Nation-building cannot occur in a vacuum; it must align with our cultural truths,” he stated. “Leadership is a relay race—the baton must be passed to the youth.” His insights remind us that the past is not something to escape but to embrace and learn from in our present endeavors.
Another invigorating roundtable, “Redefining Public Service for a New Generation,” addressed the shifting landscape of governance. Speakers emphasized the urgent necessity of rebuilding public trust through transparency, innovation, and accountability. They insisted that public service must evolve beyond mere bureaucracy to become a catalyst for impactful change, guided by compassion and a people-centric focus. It’s an intriguing thought: Are we ready to redefine norms for the sake of progress?
Summit Convener and Executive Secretary of the Lagos Junior Leaders Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, concluded day one by affirming the Academy’s ambitions. “This summit originated from a bold vision—that leadership isn’t merely inherited; it is cultivated,” she articulated. “Here, futures are crafted. Here, a new breed of leadership takes root.” It’s inspiring to consider how we can foster such environments in our own communities.
Transitioning from Dialogue to Action
If day one kindled vision, day two lit the fire of action. The discussions shifted focus with the pivotal question: how do we bridge the gap from intention to implementation?
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, underscored values as the bedrock of effective leadership. He cautioned, “We must resist glamorizing leadership. What we need is a new generation of leaders who build, solve, and genuinely care.” This assertion prompts reflection: Are we cultivating the right values in our future leaders?
A key session titled “Now or Never: A Call to Action for the Next Generation” featured insights from His Worship, Fabrice Brad Rulinda, who framed Nigeria’s youth as integral to a broader global movement. “You possess the energy, creativity, and talent. Now is the time to construct the frameworks that allow you to thrive locally and lead on a global stage,” he urged. This brings to mind the essential role of support systems in nurturing aspiring leaders, doesn’t it?
Leadership experts, Fela Durotoye and Debola Deji-Kurunmi, illuminated the audience further during another impactful discussion titled “Dare to Be More: The Power of Aspiration and Action.” They candidly stated, “Leadership should be judged by outcomes, not merely intentions. Shift your focus from seeking inspiration—start building frameworks, establishing systems, and enhancing capacity.” It’s a compelling invitation to embrace accountability in the leadership journey.
A particularly touching moment was the heartfelt recognition of Tinuade Adeyanju, the founder of the TARF Foundation, who received a $2,000 grant for her vital work in menstrual health advocacy. Her story of resilience and impact served as a vivid reminder that true leadership often begins with small acts of service that can create ripple effects in the community. Aren’t these the stories that fuel our passion for change?
Voices from creative minds like Genoveva Umeh and driven entrepreneurs like Kennedy Ekezie during the roundtable discussion “No Permission Needed: Young Leaders Changing the Narrative” reminded participants that leadership transcends titles; it is characterized by consistency, resilience, and influence. “We started from where we were,” one speaker reflected. “The key was that we never stopped.” What can we do today to prevent ourselves from being stifled by our circumstances?
In her closing remarks, Agbaje-Okunade captured the summit’s essence with inspiring clarity: “This is far more than just a summit; it is a declaration. Young Nigerians are no longer mere observers of change—they are actively becoming it.”
A New Imperative: Leadership Starts Now
As the curtains fell on the Lagos Leadership Summit 2025, it became unequivocally clear that the future of Nigeria will not be forged through inaction, but through deliberate efforts. The powerful narratives woven throughout the summit have galvanized a renewed commitment to lead with clarity of purpose, integrity, and urgency.
As participants began to make their way home, they carried a collective understanding: leadership is not merely about titles; it is about actionable steps toward creating positive change. In the words of one participant, “The future doesn’t belong to tomorrow. It belongs to today. And we are prepared to seize it.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
