Photo caption: Former Lagos Governor and former Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola
The former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has called for a deeper commitment to inclusion that goes beyond surface-level representation.
Fashola said this at the recent two-day Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit, themed: ‘Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive, and Inclusive Models’, in Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria must build systems that empower people, not just appoint them.
“Inclusion transcends appointments. It will transcend employment. It will extend to providing services, equipping people and communities, and affording opportunities to as many people as possible,” he declared
Fashola argued that a truly inclusive society sees and serves its most vulnerable citizens, not one that merely checks boxes.
He cited landmark laws like the Child’s Rights Act and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, signed in 2019, as steps in the right direction.
However, he emphasised that their power lies in implementation.
“Somebody who has lost the use of his lower limbs should not climb four flights of stairs; there should be a lift,” he stressed.
The former Lagos State governor went further, urging leaders and citizens alike to interrogate their personal choices.
“If your driver, your secretary, your cook, and your suppliers all come from your tribe, your religion, your language, something is wrong. Look in the mirror,” he challenged.
Fashola also underlined the power of intangibles, such as visibility and consultation. “People feel included when they are seen, heard, and consulted,” he said.
He advocated for more town halls, constituency meetings, and stakeholder engagements.
“Perfection is divine, but human effort must be visible. The question is not whether every leader has included everybody, but whether people can perceive that the leader is making every effort not to leave anyone behind,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised that true leadership is about legacy and service, not power or personal benefit.
Sanwo-Olu said, “It is about making decisions that impact people who may never be in the room, yet whose lives will be shaped by those choices.”
He also reflected on early setbacks, especially not being reappointed to a role he felt he earned.
According to him, rather than see it as rejection, I saw it as redirection, fuel for growth, and clarity of purpose.
“You must unlearn, relearn, and stay open to growth,” he said, stressing that humility, resilience, and vision are vital for impactful leadership.
Sanwo-Olu further underscored the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and learning from others regardless of status or age.
“Great leaders don’t hoard the spotlight, they build a circle of excellence,” he noted
He revealed that his administration is built on a team of smart, value-driven individuals.
Highlighting key youth-focused initiatives, the governor pointed to the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council, creative and tech grant programmes, and the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.
He also unveiled plans for an expanded Lagos Creative Season from September to December to boost tourism and youth engagement.
Citing the COVID-19 pandemic and #EndSARS movement as defining tests of leadership, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to finishing his term with renewed strength and smarter governance.
“Leadership is a privilege. It must be earned, respected, and used for the greatest good,” he declared.
Amid rising public distrust in officials, Sanwo-Olu called for leadership rooted in genuine service and a compelling vision for the future.
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