The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to advancing youth leadership as a critical component of national development, following its participation in a high-level press briefing ahead of the Abuja Dialogue 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the engagement, held at the Office of the Vice President, underscored the state’s resolve to strengthen leadership capacity among young Nigerians through structured initiatives.
The briefing was led by Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), who outlined the vision for the Abuja Dialogue as a strategic platform to position youth leadership at the centre of governance and national development.
Hadejia emphasised the need to go beyond merely recognising the potential of young Nigerians, stressing the importance of building structured systems capable of translating that potential into effective leadership within institutions.
He described the Dialogue as a deliberate effort to foster cross-sector collaboration and create practical pathways for integrating young leaders into governance.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, highlighted the importance of sustained and intentional investment in leadership development.
She noted that preparing young people for leadership requires more than access to opportunities, stressing the need for competence, discipline, and exposure to navigate complex systems.
Agbaje-Okunade described the Abuja Dialogue as a timely intervention that focuses on building leadership capacity through structured training, mentorship, and experiential learning.
She added that the Academy remains committed to bridging the gap between knowledge and practical governance application.
Akosile, while conveying the position of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the administration’s strong focus on youth development.
He noted that Lagos State continues to prioritise initiatives that expand opportunities for young people while strengthening their leadership capabilities.
He added that collaboration with the Office of the Vice President reflects a broader commitment to developing systems that will prepare the next generation for meaningful participation in governance.
The Abuja Dialogue 2026, themed “Scaling Excellence: Youth Leadership as Strategic Infrastructure for National Transformation,” is expected to bring together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as development partners, to explore practical approaches to strengthening youth leadership in Nigeria.
The Dialogue also serves as a precursor to the Lagos Leadership Summit, where key conversations on governance, institutional capacity, and youth inclusion are expected to generate actionable outcomes.
