Leadership requires long-term planning, Sanwo-Olu days at Seyi Tinubu’s birthday colloquium

Mercy Ihedigbo

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged young Nigerians to participate actively in governance, acquire valuable skills and contribute to community development, stressing that building a better future requires collective effort and long-term planning.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 41st birthday colloquium of Seyi Tinubu, where he spoke on the importance of creating opportunities for young people to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

The governor commended Seyi Tinubu, the Okanlomo of Yorubaland, for bringing young Nigerians together to discuss issues affecting their future.

Reflecting on Lagos State’s development, Sanwo-Olu said progress often requires sustained commitment across successive administrations, citing the Blue Line rail project, which he said was first conceived in 1983 and became a reality four decades later.

According to him, the project demonstrates that some of the most significant initiatives begun by one generation may be completed by another, underscoring the importance of continuity in governance.

Sanwo-Olu, who trained as a surveyor before venturing into banking and eventually becoming governor, said effective leadership and development require a clear understanding of existing realities and the work that remains to be done.

He also recalled his experience in government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the president gave young professionals the opportunity to contribute ideas, challenge existing positions and grow into leadership roles.

“When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought me into government in my 30s, his cabinet was filled with young professionals willing to challenge ideas and push boundaries. He gave us room to debate and grow. That is how leaders are made,” he said.

Addressing young Nigerians, the governor encouraged them to participate in community meetings, ward meetings and budget hearings, noting that decisions taken at these forums could directly affect their lives.

He also urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate in the democratic process and take responsibility for shaping the country’s future.

Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of developing professional competence, advising young people to master their chosen skills and strive for excellence.

He further encouraged Nigerians who travel abroad for education or professional development to maintain connections with their communities and apply the knowledge and experience they acquire to local development.

“Build for home, too. Travel to learn if you must, but keep a foothold back home and bring your knowledge and ideas back to help build our communities,” he said.

The governor also challenged members of his generation to create opportunities for younger people by mentoring them without expecting personal benefits, employing young talents and allowing the next generation to assume leadership responsibilities.

As his administration approaches the end of its tenure, Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that his government would complete ongoing projects, initiate programmes that future administrations could sustain and leave a strong foundation for continued development.

He stressed that sustainable leadership involves not only completing inherited projects but also starting initiatives that subsequent generations can build upon.