Shun divisive politics, embrace unity, Fashola urges Nigerians

Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Rani Fashola, on Wednesday called on Nigerians to reject agents of division and exclusion, urging citizens to focus on shared values in an era increasingly defined by identity politics.

Fashola, who is also former governor of Lagos State, made the call, while speaking as the guest speaker, at the Lagos Leadership Summit 2025, organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, themed: “Transformative Leadership: Development-Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models.”

The former minister, who spoke on the topic: “The inclusion imperative: Why no one wins when leadership leaves people behind,” emphasised the importance of unity and inclusiveness, noting that the 1999 Constitution already contains strong provisions that promote national cohesion and inclusion.

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Fashola stressed the need for leaders across all levels to collaborate in giving practical meaning to these constitutional imperatives, pointing out that true leadership lies in ensuring that no one was left behind, regardless of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.

“The1999 Nigerian Constitution has been promoting inclusion and national integration, among others, and leaders must work together to give meaning to this to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the chief host, in his address, reiterated his administration’s dedication to good governance, pledging to use creative leadership, culture and the THEMES PLUS Agenda for the benefit of the people and society in a bid to achieve the aims and vision of moving Lagos forward.

The governor, who spoke on the topic: “From Leadership to Legacy: Designing systems that work without you,” said he had been lucky to take forward the aggressive leadership of past leaders and had been able to innovate, urging people to get good education and do well in whatever assignment and level they found themselves.

“I was able to keep re-inventing myself, being able to innovate. Even when I fail, I keep picking myself up.

“As a leader, one needs to understand that, at every point, there are teachable moments that will build one’s character.

“I am urging people to get a good education and do well in whatever assignments and levels they find themselves in. Leadership is service,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged the youth to maximise opportunities by putting in their very best and surrounding themselves with knowledgeable people, just as he emphasized that loyalty was key in public service.

“In public service, loyalty is key. People should be able to trust you. It is part of creative leadership. Understand how to build on what is on ground and not believe everything on social media,” Sanwo-Olu urged.

The Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, said Governor Sanwo-Olu had the vision where ambition met talent and movement and where future was forged and legacy begins.

She disclosed that the academy had graduated 60 fellows, while 30 others were being groomed for leadership roles.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE