The Lagos State Law Reform Commission (LAWRECOM) has reaffirmed the critical role of law reform in strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and supporting sustainable development during an interactive engagement with Fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA).
The engagement, held as part of the Academy's Brown Bag Series and Institutional Learning Visit to the Commission, provided Fellows with a unique opportunity to gain practical insights into law reform, governance innovation and public sector leadership.
Welcoming the Fellows to the Commission, the Executive Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunlola described law reform as an indispensable tool for effective governance and societal progress.
She noted that beyond courts and legislation, law reform plays a strategic role in ensuring that laws remain responsive to changing social, economic, technological and governance realities.
According to her "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."
The Executive Secretary further explained that the Commission's mandate extends beyond the review and modernisation of laws to include promoting accessibility, encouraging public participation and identifying emerging areas requiring legislative intervention.
Speaking on the theme "Law Reform as Leadership: Driving Change Through Institutions”, Mrs. Ogunlola challenged the Fellows to approach leadership as problem-solvers and change agents capable of identifying systemic challenges and developing sustainable solutions.
She encouraged them to utilise their placements across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to observe governance processes, identify operational bottlenecks and contribute ideas capable of improving public administration and service delivery.
"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."
A major highlight of the engagement was the introduction of the Commission's newly established Reform Intelligence Desk (RID), a strategic initiative designed to identify governance bottlenecks, legislative gaps and regulatory challenges requiring review or reform.
The Executive Secretary explained that the Desk represents a deliberate shift towards a more participatory and evidence-driven approach to law reform by creating structured channels through which institutions and citizens can contribute to the continuous improvement of laws and governance systems.
The interactive session featured robust discussions on several public policy and governance issues, including public enlightenment, environmental sustainability, public procurement, tax administration, institutional collaboration and service delivery across government.
Responding to questions and observations from the Fellows, members of the Commission's management team emphasised the importance of citizen engagement, inter-agency collaboration and data-driven policymaking in advancing effective governance.
The Director of Legislative Drafting and Policy Advisory, Mrs Kemi Sowemimo, urged the Fellows to emulate the visionary leadership qualities of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande by remaining committed to public service, innovation and practical problem-solving.
"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."
As a symbolic highlight of the visit, the Executive Secretary announced the Fellows as the Commission's inaugural Law Reform Ambassadors, encouraging them to champion civic responsibility, governance innovation and reform-oriented thinking within their respective spheres of influence.
The Lagos State Law Reform Commission remains committed to promoting a modern, accessible and responsive legal framework that supports good governance, economic growth and sustainable development across Lagos State.
The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was established by the Lagos State Government to nurture a new generation of transformational leaders equipped with the skills, values and competencies required to address complex governance and development challenges.
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