Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) held a high-level engagement with Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Principal Private Secretary to the President of Nigeria and retired Head of Service of Lagos State, during a fireside chat at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.

Addressing the Fellows, Muri-Okunola emphasised that effective leadership is grounded in substance rather than visibility. “Leadership is not defined by the spotlight, but by the substance of impact” he said, drawing from his years in public service and his experience supporting HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu both as Governor of Lagos State and now as President.

He noted that operating at the highest levels of governance requires discipline, emotional intelligence, and personal sacrifice. “The real work of leadership often happens away from public attention, but it is that work that delivers results” he added, urging the Fellows to prioritise competence, structure, and continuous self-development.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, underscored the importance of such engagements in shaping the leadership capacity of the Fellows. She noted that exposure to seasoned public servants provides critical insight into the realities of governance and strengthens the Academy’s mission to build a pipeline of responsive and effective leaders.

The session also featured the presence of the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, who engaged the Fellows and commended the Academy’s role in grooming future leaders for impactful service.

The interactive session included an extensive question and answer segment, where Fellows sought clarity on governance, leadership pathways, and personal development.

In her closing remarks, Cynthia Akhagbeme-Simeon, Head of the Programmes, Research and Development Unit of LJLA, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation for the insights shared and reaffirming the Academy’s commitment to developing capable and value-driven leaders for Nigeria’s future.