Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has called for a new generation of leadership in Nigeria – one that prioritises national development and integrity over the length of time spent in public office.
Speaking at the second edition of the Lagos Leadership Summit, organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Hamzat delivered a keynote address titled “The Responsibility of Leadership: Shaping the Future With Purpose and Action.”
According to the deputy governor, Nigeria’s progress depends on cultivating leaders with integrity, courage, vision, and a genuine commitment to public service, rather than individuals who merely occupy political space.
“Nigeria needs true statesmen whose claim to statesmanship is not based on the length of time spent in office, but on their tangible contributions to building a strong and viable nation,” he said.
He echoed leadership expert John Maxwell’s definition of a true leader as someone who “knows the way, shows the way, and goes the way.”
Hamzat stressed that effective leadership must create a compelling national vision grounded in ethical governance, truth, and service.
He emphasised that without integrity and demonstrated honesty, no leader can be truly effective, adding that the role of a leader requires truthful communication, trust, and moral clarity.
“Action and words must be the same, and information must be truthful and reflect compassion,” he said.
The deputy governor also underlined the importance of active citizenship and a free, responsible media in shaping a positive national narrative, encouraging Nigerians to shun tokenistic politics such as “stomach infrastructure.”
“While there are many comments about the failure of leadership, followers, too, must be ready for change. The days of accepting pittance for votes must be over,” he added.
Speaking at the summit, Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, described the event as more than a summit—it is a catalytic platform for driving national transformation.
“We are building a movement of young visionaries, policymakers, creatives, reformers and builders who are unafraid to question the status quo,” she said.
“Let us raise the standard, lead with integrity, and leave behind a legacy that truly matters.”
The summit brought together emerging and established leaders to explore pathways for shaping a purposeful and sustainable future for Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
