The Deputy Governor of Lagos State and APC Governorship Candidate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has joined Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy for the graduation of the 2025/2026 cohort and induction of the 2026/2027 cohort.
Epe Insights reports that the event brought together government officials, academy fellows, mentors and other stakeholders to celebrate young Lagosians completing the leadership development programme and welcome members of the new cohort.
Hamzat congratulated the graduating fellows for successfully completing their training and encouraged them to apply the knowledge gained to their communities and professional engagements.
He also welcomed the new cohort and urged the young participants to approach their leadership journey with discipline, responsibility and a strong commitment to service.
The Deputy Governor noted that leadership comes with responsibility and requires dedication, hard work and a willingness to serve others.
His message placed emphasis on the importance of developing young people who can contribute meaningfully to the growth and advancement of Lagos State.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was established to provide young Lagosians with opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain practical knowledge for public and community service.
The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the 2025/2026 cohort’s programme.
It also marked the beginning of a new leadership development journey for participants in the 2026/2027 cohort.
The transition between both cohorts provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduating fellows while encouraging the incoming participants.
Hamzat’s participation reflected the Lagos State Government’s continued attention to youth development and leadership training.
The programme seeks to prepare young people to take on leadership responsibilities across different sectors.
The Deputy Governor encouraged the graduating fellows to view their training as the beginning of a larger responsibility rather than the conclusion of their leadership journey.
He urged them to demonstrate the values of integrity, responsibility and service in their various areas of influence.
The new fellows were similarly encouraged to make meaningful use of the opportunities provided through the academy.
Hamzat stressed the importance of hard work in building a successful leadership career.
He also reminded the participants that effective leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact leaders make on others.
The event provided an avenue for the fellows to reflect on their experiences throughout the programme.
For the graduating cohort, the ceremony represented an important milestone after completing the academy’s leadership development activities.
For the incoming cohort, it marked the start of a new phase of learning, mentorship and personal development.
The programme continues to attract attention as part of efforts to strengthen leadership capacity among young people in Lagos.
The Lagos State Government has continued to promote initiatives aimed at equipping young residents with skills and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy forms part of these efforts by creating a structured platform for leadership development.
Hamzat’s message at the ceremony also highlighted the connection between youth development and the future of Lagos State.
According to the Deputy Governor, young people must be prepared to accept responsibility and contribute positively to society.
He encouraged the fellows to maintain a mindset of continuous learning as they progress in their leadership journeys.
The graduating participants were also reminded that their responsibilities extend beyond their individual achievements.
They were encouraged to use their knowledge and experiences to contribute to their communities.
The new fellows, meanwhile, were welcomed into the academy with a charge to remain committed to learning and personal development.
The ceremony therefore combined celebration, reflection and preparation for the next phase of the programme.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s presence alongside Hamzat further highlighted the importance attached to the leadership initiative by the state government.
The participation of senior government officials also gave the young fellows an opportunity to interact with key figures in Lagos public administration.
The event demonstrated the importance of mentorship and exposure in preparing young people for future leadership responsibilities.
Hamzat’s interaction with the fellows further reinforced the message that leadership development should begin with responsibility and service.
As the new cohort begins its programme, participants are expected to build on the experiences of previous fellows.
They will also have the opportunity to develop their leadership capacity through the academy’s activities and engagements.
For the graduating cohort, the next step will be to apply the lessons and skills acquired during their time at the academy.
Hamzat’s charge to the young Lagosians reflects the broader expectation that leadership training should translate into meaningful contributions to society.
The ceremony ultimately celebrated the achievements of the 2025/2026 fellows while opening a new chapter for the 2026/2027 cohort.
It also reinforced the importance of investing in young people and preparing them for future responsibilities.
For Lagos State, initiatives such as the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy provide an avenue for nurturing a new generation of capable and service-oriented leaders.
Hamzat’s participation added further emphasis to the need for young Lagosians to embrace responsibility, hard work and commitment to public service.
The Deputy Governor urged both the graduating and incoming fellows to remain focused on making positive contributions wherever they find themselves.
The event therefore served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership.
As the new cohort begins its journey, expectations remain high that the fellows will use the opportunity to develop their skills and contribute to the continued progress of Lagos State.
