Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, paused to talk to a gathering of young people about his experience growing as a leader.
He emphasized that being proficient at basic chores gets one ready for more important duties.
Sanwo-Olu addressed a group of young people at the Lagos Leadership Summit on Wednesday that “your ability to accomplish a set of basic tasks entrusted to you in smaller roles can serve as the foundation for greater leadership exploits.”
He described how President Bola Tinubu, his mentor, developed and enhanced his leadership skills by giving him a variety of tasks.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) organized the event, which took place at Konga Place in Lekki and had as its theme “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models.” Former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was also in attendance.
Investment banker by trade, Sanwo-Olu began his public service career in 2002 when then-Governor Tinubu named him Special Adviser on Economic Matters.
He claimed that his greatest opportunity to discover and develop his leadership ability was while working in Lagos in a variety of capacities under Tinubu’s rule.
“When the former governor, who is now president Tinubu, started laying the foundation for making Lagos a modern city, I was appointed as Special Adviser,” he stated.
“I started to gain from Tinubu’s transformational and practical leadership style during this time.
“I was able to travel abroad and have formal meetings with a number of big corporations because to this chance. I worked in a variety of portfolios, including education, public safety, transportation, and the environment.
“I gave it my all and encouraged the team to go above and above while I was in Transportation. I increased staff capacity and improved the numbers when I was assigned to revenue creation. I questioned the status quo in the environment sector. I wasn’t considering any potential rewards when I was doing all of this.
Following Tinubu’s service in 2007, Sanwo-Olu was appointed to serve under the succeeding Fashola administration.
He said that he was posted to a ministry called a “dry land” since it was thought to bring little reward or recognition.He said, “But the task brought out the best in me — testing my ability to transform human capital to deliver tangible progress, similar to the objectives of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy today.
“I took on several roles and excelled. Those leadership responsibilities allowed me to reassess myself and refine my skills.
“That period gave me the perfect opportunity to advance to the next level and ultimately prepared me for my current position.”
Sanwo-Olu encouraged participants not to be discouraged by unmet expectations, stressing that failure is not the end of the road.
Fashola, who also served as Minister for Works and Housing, delivered remarks on the summit’s theme.
He said that promoting inclusion and diversity should be a key priority for pragmatic leadership.
Fashola explained that the framers of Nigeria’s Constitution had made equality, inclusion, and participation the foundation of the country’s unity, noting that Sections 14 to 19 of the Constitution provided for Federal Character as the basis for national integration.
He said, “Leaders must build coalitions of unity and belonging. The issue is not whether every leader includes everyone — that’s impossible.
“What matters is whether the majority perceive that their leader is making genuine efforts not to exclude or marginalise anyone.
“People naturally feel included or excluded, but what’s important is for a leader to understand this sentiment.
“I recommend town hall meetings, such as this forum, as a strong platform for promoting inclusion. It allows people to feel heard and consulted on societal matters.”
Among the summit’s discussants were the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali; and the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal.
Expressing excitement, LJLA Executive Secretary Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade said the summit’s large turnout underscored the importance of such forums in sparking ideas and conversations that can drive the change young Nigerians desire.
She added that the Leadership Academy continues to provide a platform for young leaders to connect and collaborate on nation-building initiatives.
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