Lagos commission urges young leaders to drive governance reforms

The Lagos State Law Reform Commission has urged Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to embrace law reform as a tool for improving governance, public service delivery and sustainable development.

The call was made during an interactive session between the commission and the Fellows as part of the Academy’s Brown Bag Series and Institutional Learning Visit to the agency.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Oluyemisi Ogunlola, said effective governance depends on laws that evolve with changing social, economic and technological realities.

“Laws are not static instruments. They must continuously evolve to reflect the realities, aspirations and emerging needs of society.

“Effective law reform ensures that governance remains responsive, institutions remain relevant, and development is supported by a modern and enabling legal framework,” she said.

Ogunlola said the commission’s responsibilities extend beyond reviewing and modernising laws to promoting public participation and identifying emerging areas that require legislative intervention.

Addressing the Fellows on the theme, “Law Reform as Leadership: Driving Change Through Institutions,” she challenged them to see leadership as the ability to identify systemic problems and develop sustainable solutions.

“Leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority. It is about recognising challenges, understanding their root causes and mobilising solutions that create lasting public value.

“Future leaders must learn to see opportunities for reform where others see obstacles,” she said.

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A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the Commission’s newly established Reform Intelligence Desk, a platform designed to identify governance bottlenecks, legislative gaps and regulatory challenges requiring reform.

According to Ogunlola, the initiative was intended to make law reform more participatory and evidence-based by creating channels through which institutions and citizens can contribute to improving governance and legislation.

The session also featured discussions on public procurement, environmental sustainability, tax administration, public enlightenment, institutional collaboration and service delivery across government.

Responding to questions from the Fellows, members of the commission’s management team stressed the importance of citizen engagement, inter-agency cooperation and data-driven policymaking in strengthening governance.

The Director of Legislative Drafting and Policy Advisory, Mrs Kemi Sowemimo, urged the Fellows to emulate the leadership qualities of the late former Lagos governor, Lateef Jakande.

“Every generation has a responsibility to improve the systems it inherits.

“As emerging leaders, you must develop the courage to identify governance challenges and the commitment to pursue solutions that improve the lives of citizens,” she said.

At the end of the visit, the commission named the Fellows its inaugural Law Reform Ambassadors, charging them to promote civic responsibility, innovation and reform-oriented thinking in their various spheres of influence.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was established by the Lagos State Government to develop future leaders equipped to address governance and development challenges through public service.