The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) hosted a thought-provoking fireside chat with Dr. Rabiu Olowo, renowned finance expert, former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, and Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, bringing Fellows together for a reflective conversation on the demands, discipline, and intentionality required for effective leadership in an increasingly complex world.
The session, held recently at the Academy’s conference room, focused on the inner work of leadership, emphasising the importance of preparation, clarity of purpose, and deliberate decision-making as essential tools for navigating leadership journeys.
Speaking during the session, Dr. Olowo challenged Fellows to approach leadership not as a position but as a lifelong journey that requires self-awareness, resilience, and continuous learning. “Leadership does not start when you are given authority. It starts with intentional choices long before anyone is watching,” Dr. Olowo said.
He further urged Fellows to pay attention to global shifts and emerging realities, noting that modern leaders must be intellectually curious and emotionally grounded to respond meaningfully to change.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and leadership today demands more than competence. It demands foresight, empathy, and the discipline to remain anchored in purpose even when the path is uncertain,” he added.
The LJLA Executive Secretary, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade described the fireside chat as a timely intervention in the Fellows’ leadership development journey, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to shaping thoughtful and values-driven leaders.
“At the Academy, we are intentional about exposing our Fellows to conversations that stretch their thinking and deepen their sense of responsibility. Dr. Olowo’s engagement reinforced the reality that leadership is not accidental. It is built through conscious preparation, ethical clarity, and a willingness to do the hard work long before results become visible,” she said.
One of the Fellows, Abdulazeez Abdulazeez, described the session as both grounding and inspiring, highlighting the personal resonance of the conversation.
“What stood out for me was the emphasis on intentionality. It reminded me that leadership is not about reacting to circumstances but about preparing yourself mentally and ethically for what lies ahead. The conversation helped me reflect more deeply on my own leadership journey and the kind of impact I want to make” he said.
