Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for institutionalised leadership transition to youths, urging deliberate systems to harness their potential for national development.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by Mr Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the 2026 Abuja Dialogue held at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, where stakeholders examined youth participation in leadership.
The summit was organised by the Office of the Vice President with the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), with the theme ‘Scaling Excellence: Youth Leadership as Strategic Infrastructure’.
He said youth leadership was no longer debatable, but questioned whether adequate systems existed to channel their energy productively.
“In Lagos, we invest billions in roads, bridges, rail systems and waterways, alongside power, housing and healthcare.
“No one questions these investments because the returns are visible.
“However, without competent, ethical and visionary leaders, every road will deteriorate and every institution will fail.
“This is why Lagos treats leadership development not as social welfare, but as a strategic governance pillar,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that human capital investment remained critical for long-term national success, warning of consequences if youths were not equipped for leadership.
“What happens when we fail to prepare young people is a cycle of deficits far more expensive to fix than to prevent.
“It also leads to brain drain, depleting our talent pool while strengthening other nations,” he added.
He said the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was established to bridge leadership gaps through structured training, mentorship and governance exposure.
According to him, the academy serves as a talent incubator, integrating youths into public sector processes to address societal challenges.
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the need for a structured and intentional leadership pipeline for young people.
He warned that leadership should not be seen as ceremonial handover, but a deliberate process of preparation and integration.
“What is required is a forward-looking architecture that prepares young people to function within systems and improve them.
“We cannot prepare young Nigerians for yesterday and expect them to govern tomorrow,” Shettima said.
He added that national progress depended on a reliable leadership pipeline built through collaboration, mentorship and adherence to standards.
“Leadership is not defined by age, but by readiness to bear consequences, prioritise the common good and take a long-term view,” he said.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, led youth groups and emerging leaders to the dialogue.
The event attracted policymakers, development experts, academics and civil society actors.
The LJLA Executive Secretary, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said the dialogue addressed challenges hindering youth transition into leadership roles.
She stressed that leadership development must be deliberate and continuous.
“Leadership is not a moment; it is a process requiring exposure, mentoring, structuring, accountability and practical experience.
“It is learned not only in classrooms, but within systems where policies are shaped and decisions are made,” she said.
The event was attended by Lagos State Executive Council members, Permanent Secretaries led by Head of Service Mr Bode Agoro, and other stakeholders.
