Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy have engaged in another reflective fireside chat with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, where he challenged them to rethink how leadership should be exercised in the face of complex societal problems.

The session focused on the quality of thinking required of leaders, particularly those operating in public service and governance. Dr Hamzat urged the Fellows to move beyond surface level responses and develop the discipline to interrogate assumptions and address the root causes of societal challenges.

“Leadership is not about having quick answers. It is about asking the right questions and being willing to sit with complexity until real solutions emerge” he said.

He stressed that effective leadership must be intentional, curious, and firmly anchored in problem solving rather than optics or convenience. According to him, sustainable change can only be achieved when leaders commit to rigorous thinking and continuous learning.

Dr Hamzat also addressed the role of relationships and networks in leadership, cautioning against their use for personal advancement. He emphasised that influence must always be exercised with a sense of responsibility and directed towards collective impact.

“Your networks should serve the public good, not personal gain. Influence is powerful, and when it is misused, it undermines trust and weakens institutions” he noted.

The discussion prompted thoughtful engagement among the Fellows, many of whom reflected on how their leadership journeys must be shaped by depth, integrity, and accountability. The session reinforced the Academy’s commitment to developing leaders who are equipped not only with ambition, but with the intellectual capacity to navigate complex governance challenges.

The key takeaway from the fireside chat was clear. Leaders must remain curious, committed to learning, and willing to engage in deep, sometimes uncomfortable thinking in order to create lasting and meaningful change.