Fellows of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) gained firsthand insight into the realities of grassroots governance during a Local Council Development Area Tour of Ojodu LCDA, hosted by its Chairman, Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku.
The engagement provided the Fellows with an opportunity to see how leadership, policy and public resources are translated into practical interventions that respond to the everyday needs of communities.
During the tour, the Fellows explored a range of development initiatives across key sectors, including primary healthcare, education and ICT, road infrastructure and drainage, security, environmental services, agriculture, and access to clean water through solar-powered boreholes. The experience offered a closer understanding of the responsibilities of local government and the ways effective interventions can improve the quality of life of residents.
Beyond the projects and infrastructure, the Fellows examined the thinking and processes behind grassroots development, including community engagement, innovation, resource mobilisation and strategic partnerships. The tour demonstrated how responsive leadership begins with identifying the priorities of residents and developing solutions that are practical, inclusive and sustainable.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, the Executive Secretary of LJLA, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said exposing emerging leaders to governance at the grassroots was essential to developing a deeper understanding of public leadership.
“Leadership becomes meaningful when it responds to the realities of the people. By taking our Fellows into communities and giving them the opportunity to engage directly with grassroots governance, we are helping them understand that sustainable development requires listening, collaboration, innovation, and the ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes” she said.
Hon. Odunmbaku also shared insights into Ojodu LCDA’s approach to community development, highlighting the importance of responsive leadership and practical interventions in addressing local priorities and improving residents’ wellbeing.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Fellow Idowu Adewara appreciated Hon. Odunmbaku and the Ojudu LCDA team for providing the Fellows with the opportunity to observe and engage with grassroots governance in practice. She noted that the experience offered valuable lessons on responsive leadership and community-centred development.
