By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
At a vibrant gathering of young minds and thought leaders in Lekki, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu shared the pivotal role President Bola Ahmed Tinubu played in shaping his leadership path.
Speaking at the Lagos Leadership Summit organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Sanwo-Olu recalled how Tinubu’s trust in him opened doors to public service and personal transformation.
Addressing participants, the Governor reflected on his early political journey: “I was appointed to serve as Special Adviser when former Governor, now President Tinubu started to lay the groundwork for the transformation of Lagos to modern city. For me, this was the period I started gaining from Tinubu’s transformative and pragmatic approach to leadership.”
Sanwo-Olu detailed how he was thrust into various roles—transportation, environment, education, revenue generation—each challenging him to evolve.
“I was doing all of these without thinking of future expectations,” he said.
Even after Tinubu’s tenure, Sanwo-Olu continued to climb the leadership ladder, taking on difficult postings under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
“I took up various other roles and did excelled… I had the best opportunity to launch myself into another level and subsequently got me into the current position,” he said.
He encouraged young people not to fear setbacks: “It is not how many times you fall that counts, but how many time you get on your feet when you fall… Use the period of disappointments to improve and this may open up new opportunities for you.”
Fashola, in his keynote, emphasised inclusive leadership.
“What should matter is whether majority of the people can perceive that their leader is making efforts not to exclude or leave anyone behind,” he said, recommending forums like town hall meetings to build trust and unity.
Other royal and leadership figures, including the Olu of Warri, Emir of Zazzau, and Oniru of Iru, joined panel discussions on youth empowerment and national development.
LJLA Executive Secretary Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade hailed the summit as a vital space for collaboration:
“Progress is not made by individuals, but by communities that dare to collaborate.”