The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has charged Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy(LJLA)  to embrace a mindset of continuous thinking, rethinking, and personal responsibility as the foundation for transformative leadership in Nigeria.

He gave this charge during an intimate fireside chat with Fellows of the Academy, where conversations spanned leadership, governance, citizenship, and the critical role of relationships in building sustainable systems.

Speaking candidly, the Deputy Governor emphasized that leadership in today’s world requires more than technical competence. According to him, the ability to build and leverage meaningful relationships remains one of the most undervalued but powerful tools for influence and impact.

“Nothing truly impactful is built alone because relationships matter. The people you connect with, learn from, and grow alongside ultimately shape how far your ideas can travel and how effective your leadership becomes” he added.

He further stressed that national development cannot be left solely to those in government, noting that citizens must take personal responsibility for the kind of society they desire.

“We often speak about what government must do, but nation building starts with individuals, If every citizen takes responsibility in their own space, we will begin to see real change. Leadership is not a title. It is a daily commitment to do better” He said.

Speaking further, Dr. Hamzat harped on the importance of deliberate thinking and rethinking. While encouraging the Fellows to question assumptions, challenge existing models, and resist the comfort of routine thinking.

“You must constantly think and rethink, do not accept systems just because they have always existed. Ask yourself why things are done the way they are done, and whether they can be done better”.

In her remarks, LJLA Executive Secretary, Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, described the session as a defining learning moment for the Fellows, noting that the conversation aligned strongly with the Academy’s mission of developing reflective, responsible, and adaptive leaders.

“This fireside chat reinforced one of our core values at the Academy, which is intentional leadership. The Deputy Governor challenged our Fellows to think deeply, rethink boldly, and take personal responsibility for the future they want to lead” she said.