Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) recently engaged in a Brown Bag Session with the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, as part of their leadership development programme.
The Brown Bag Series is a platform designed to foster direct engagement between LJLA Fellows and senior public sector officials in a reflective setting. It aims to deepen Fellows’ understanding of governance by exposing them to the lived experiences, decision-making processes and leadership philosophies of policymakers.
During the session, the Honourable Commissioner shared insightful perspectives on the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to advance innovation, promote digital inclusion, and expand connectivity across Lagos State. He highlighted how technology is being harnessed to build smarter systems and enhance service delivery for millions of residents.
Commending the Fellows for their diverse backgrounds and their commitment to public service excellence, he emphasised that leadership is not only about competence but must be grounded in deeply held values. “True leadership goes beyond competence; it is rooted in values”, he remarked.
Drawing from cross-cultural leadership theories, he illustrated how societal norms, such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and gratification orientation, shape leadership styles and impact national development outcomes. He underscored the link between cultural context and effective governance.
The session concluded with a compelling call for introspection and ethical leadership, where he encouraged the Fellows to lead with integrity, sacrifice, and excellence, and to recognise that building a better Nigeria begins with the individual choices each leader makes.
Reflecting on the significance of the engagement, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, Executive Secretary of the Academy expressed “The Brown Bag Series is a vital component of the LJLA Fellowship experience. It creates space for honest, thought-provoking conversations with decision-makers. Honourable Alake’s session reminded us that leadership must be principled, courageous, and aligned with the needs of the people”.
Speaking on behalf of the Fellows, Balogun Danjuma, who delivered the vote of thanks, said: “Today’s session was a masterclass in the intersection of leadership, innovation, and culture. The Honourable Commissioner didn’t just speak to our minds, he spoke to our values. It was a timely reminder that the future of our country depends on the depth of our character as much as our competence”.
