The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) has officially welcomed its 2025/2026 cohort, marking the start of a transformative year of leadership, service and experiential learning for the newly admitted Fellows “Class of Catalysts”.
The onboarding programme, which held at the Lagos House Ikeja, introduced the Fellows to LJLA’s mission and guiding values, while immersing them in the Academy’s vision of shaping a new generation of ethical and dynamic leaders
In her address, LJLA Executive Secretary Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade charged the Fellows to embrace
resilience, humility, and integrity as their compass for the year ahead. She described the Fellowship programme as an opportunity to step into the arena of public leadership, where every decision and action has the potential to influence lives and reshape communities.
“You are stepping into a journey that will challenge and refine you, therefore as ambassadors of the Academy, you must lead with courage, clarity, and conviction, because your leadership will influence lives and shape the future” she added.
As part of the programme, various Heads of Departments also addressed the Fellows, offering insights into their respective units and how each contributes to the overall vision of the Academy. They outlined the roles their departments play in advancing LJLA’s mission and emphasised the collaborative structures that will support the Fellows throughout the year. The sessions provided both orientation and inspiration, highlighting the Academy’s commitment to holistic leadership development.
One of the new Fellows, Bayode Oke, expressed his readiness for the journey ahead. “This Fellowship is a rare opportunity and I do not take it lightly, I am prepared to be stretched, to learn broadly and to grow into a more rounded leader. More than anything, I am ready to shoulder the responsibility that comes with this mantle of leadership” he said.
