Nigeria Needs New Leaders With Integrity, Vision – Lagos Deputy Gov

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, says Nigeria needs a new breed of leadership that prioritises contributions to national growth and development over mere political tenure.

Hamzat spoke at the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy’s (LJLA) second edition of Lagos Leadership Summit on Thursday.

He delivered a paper with the title: “The Responsibility of Leadership: Shaping The Future With Purpose And Action.”

The deputy governor reiterated that the nation required a new breed of leadership that embodied integrity, courage, and vision as Nigeria navigated its complex landscape.

He said: “Nigeria needs true statesmen whose claim to statesmanship is not just the length of time they spent holding public office or occupying political space, but rather their contributions to the evolution of a strong and viable nation.

“True leaders must communicate truthfully with the people.

“Action and words must be the same and information must be truthful and reflect compassion.”

He cited John Maxwell’s view that a true leader “knows the way,” “shows the way,” and “goes the way.”

According to him, effective leadership requires creating a vision for a nation that serves its citizens, fosters progress, and upholds ethical standards.

The deputy governor further highlighted some traits of effective leadership to include integrity, trust, courage, and truthful communication.

“Nigeria needs leaders with the courage to confront present-day challenges and the focus to drive progress.

“A leader must demonstrate integrity, honesty to be effective and must also communicate truthfully with the people, ensuring their actions and words align.

“Without integrity and demonstrated honesty, no leader can be effective,” he stressed.
The deputy governor added that Nigerians must build a culture that reinforced the values and ethos that supported the dream of a new Nigeria.

He said that active and responsible citizenship was equally critical in the development of a nation or an institution.

He stressed that leaders at different levels must be people with vision, capacity to attract and deploy human and material resources.

Hamzat said they must be men/women of high moral standing and integrity.

The deputy governor also noted that a free and responsible media was required to peddle a new narrative, one that promoted the good about the nation over and above its ills.

“While there are a lot of comments on the leadership, followership must be ready for change.

“The days of accepting pittance in the name of stomach infrastructure cannot be our ways,” Hamzat said.

The Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat
Agbaje-Okunade, said that the Lagos Leadership Summit was more than just a gathering.

According to her, it is a catalytic platform where ideas meet execution, and where emerging and established leaders are inspired to think beyond themselves and build systems that outlive themselves.

“We are building a movement of young visionaries, policymakers, creatives, reformers and builders who are not afraid to question the status quo and design a Lagos, and a Nigeria that continuously works.

“We are calling for the standard to be raised, let us lead with integrity, let us build foresight. Let us leave a legacy that truly matters,” she said.

LJLA was launched in 2024 to serve as a transformative platform for young visionary leaders, innovators and changemakers to drive Nigeria’s rebirth through adaptive, responsive and transformational leadership.

It empowers the young leaders by equipping them with essential skills and insights needed to navigate leadership roles.