Sanwo-Olu pushes structured pathway for youth leadership in Nigeria

Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for a deliberate and institutionalised transition of leadership to young people, warning that without proper systems, Nigeria risks wasting its demographic advantage.

The Lagos governor made the call at the 2026 Abuja Dialogue held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, where policymakers and stakeholders gathered to examine youth participation in governance.

According to a statement by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, the summit, organised by the Office of the Vice-President and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, focused on building youth leadership as a critical pillar of national development.

Sanwo-Olu argued that while investments in infrastructure such as roads, rail, and power are often prioritised, leadership development remains just as essential to sustaining long-term growth.

He stressed that without competent and ethical leadership, physical infrastructure would eventually fail, making human capital development a strategic necessity rather than a social obligation.

Why leadership development is now “critical infrastructure”

Expanding on this, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos has begun treating leadership development as a governance priority, not just a policy add-on.

He warned that failing to prepare young people for leadership roles could deepen national challenges, including brain drain and institutional decline.

“What happens when we fail to prepare young people is a cycle of deficits far more expensive to fix than to prevent,” he said, noting that unprepared youth populations often strengthen other economies instead.

He highlighted the role of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy as a pipeline for grooming future leaders through structured training, mentorship, and exposure to public-sector decision-making.

Also speaking, Kashim Shettima emphasised that leadership transition should not be treated as a ceremonial process but as a deliberate system built on preparation, collaboration, and standards.

He added that sustainable national progress depends on a strong and consistent leadership pipeline capable of integrating young people into governance effectively.

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