Defining a Good Society: Lessons from the LJLA Leadership Seminar

What is your idea of a good society? That is the question the LJLA Second Quarter Leadership Seminar seeks to answer.

Last week, I attended a four-day seminar as part of the requirements of being a Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy Fellow (yes, you heard that right — I will tell you all about it soon!). Fellows from different backgrounds came together to explore, debate, and define their ideas of a good society. Through rich readings and discussions, we examined key societal tensions — liberty versus equality, community versus efficiency — and how these values shape our world.

A Journey Through Time and Ideas

Those four days were mentally stimulating, and we explored timeless ideas and their relevance today. Each day started with readings from influential thinkers (some before Christ!), including Plato’s The Republic, Marx and Engels’ The Communist Manifesto, Aristotle’s Politics, and Rousseau’s The Social Contract. These texts helped us consider fundamental questions: What is justice? What is the role of government? How should power be distributed in society?

One of the more fascinating aspects was how these ideas resonated differently across the group. For example, Hobbes’ argument in The Leviathan about the necessity of a strong, central authority sparked debates about the balance between state control and individual freedom. Similarly, James O’Toole’s The Executive’s Compass introduced the framework of the four poles — liberty, equality, community, and efficiency. This serves as a lens through which we evaluate and construct our vision of a good society. This framework became a reference point for our discussions, making abstract ideas more practical.

Balancing Tensions in Society

One of the most powerful takeaways from the seminar was recognizing that societies are built on tensions. Liberty can conflict with equality, and efficiency can sometimes undermine community. We examined these trade-offs through real-world scenarios and personal values, often finding no clear-cut answers but gaining clarity on the principles we hold most dear.

For example, our discussions about economic growth raised challenging questions. How much inequality can society accept to encourage innovation? Should environmental sustainability be compromised to reduce poverty? Should individual freedoms ever be restricted to achieve national goals, and where should the line be drawn? These conversations did not aim to find perfect solutions but to understand the complexities leaders face.

The Gods Are Not to Blame: A Modern Adaptation

Another memorable moment of the seminar was the modern adaptation of Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame. We had only 48 hours to prepare for the play, which added an exciting challenge. We read through the original script on the first day and identified the key characters. On the second day, the creative director, Olumide Faniran, suggested using a modern storyline for easier costume arrangements and greater relatability. This allowed us to adapt the narrative while staying true to the themes of leadership, responsibility, and societal expectations.

The final performance was incredible. Every actor gave their best, bringing energy and passion to their roles. Special recognition goes to Karima Yakubu and Marvellous Olusegun for their outstanding portrayals of their characters. The Executive Secretary of LJLA, Mrs Aishat Agbaje-Okunade, and the moderators — Omobola Johnson, Orode Doherty, Ayo Maji, and Habiba Balogun — were thoroughly entertained, laughing throughout the play and gave a standing ovation at the end. The experience showed the power of creativity and collaboration in bringing timeless themes to life.

Defining My Good Society

The seminar’s final day focused on each fellow’s vision of a good society. Using the four poles as a guide, we shared our ideas and engaged in thought-provoking discussions. For my vision, I prioritized community and equality.

My idea of a good society (this might change as I grow in knowledge) is grounded in community because it ensures that individuals feel connected and supported. It builds a shared sense of purpose and belonging, strengthening resilience and cooperation. Equality ensures that resources and opportunities are shared fairly, leaving no one behind. While liberty and efficiency are important, societal progress is fragile and unsustainable without strong community ties and equitable foundations.

My vision reflects a belief that societies thrive when they balance individual freedoms with collective well-being. It is not about removing tensions but managing them to prioritize people over profits and long-term stability over short-term gains.

Lessons for Leadership and Beyond

A fellow fellow (in-house joke) described the Leadership Seminar as an intellectual exercise. I go a step further by saying it was a call to action. As leaders, we were reminded that creating a good society requires courage, humility, and perseverance. It is about engaging with complexity, making tough decisions, and staying true to core values.

The seminar also highlighted the value of dialogue. Many of the insights I gained came from listening to other’s perspectives and questioning my beliefs. I have realized leadership is as much about creating spaces for meaningful conversations as it is about taking decisive action.

I am committed to applying these lessons in my work and community. Whether fostering collaboration, promoting fairness, or challenging systems that create inequality, I see leadership as an opportunity to align actions with my vision of a good society.

Conclusion: The Pursuit of the Good Society

As I reflect on my time at the Leadership Seminar, I think about the three questions we were asked during checkout. First, we were asked how we felt now compared to when the seminar started. Initially, I felt ‘whelmed’ by the big ideas we would explore. But now, I am filled with even more curiosity. I want to learn and understand more than ever before.

The second question was about our key takeaway. The biggest lesson for me was that the world is so vast, and I want to learn as much of it as possible. The seminar helped me realize that there is always more to explore and that understanding society, leadership, and people requires constant learning.

The final question was about our commitment going forward. I am now even more committed to serving my community. I have an upcoming project to improve reading skills among secondary school students, and I am excited to share more about it in future articles.

The pursuit of a good society is a journey, not a destination. The seminar reinforced this idea and strengthened my resolve to contribute to a better world. By working together, we can create communities that are not just good but better, one step at a time.

What is your idea of a good society? Let me know in the comments section.