Sanwo-Olu and Sirleaf Advocate for Youth Leadership in Africa

At the Lagos Leadership Summit 2026, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf advocated for a bold agenda to enhance leadership in Africa, particularly focusing on youth involvement. They stressed the importance of stronger institutions and the need to expand opportunities for young people in leadership roles.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted that while young Nigerians possess educational skills, they often lack opportunities to apply them, which limits productivity across sectors. He clarified that sponsorship should not be misconstrued as patronage but as a means to enable individuals to translate knowledge into measurable outcomes.

Sirleaf warned against relying solely on individual leaders, emphasizing the necessity of systemic change to ensure sustainable development. She also advocated for greater inclusion of women in leadership, noting that excluding half the population from decision-making weakens governance.

The summit aimed to inspire young leaders to see themselves as active contributors within existing structures.