The Lagos State University chapter of the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) has unveiled the fifth edition of the Eko Legislative Conference (ELC 5.0), placing cultural identity and leadership at the centre of governance discourse among young people.
Speaker of the 11th NULASS LASU Student Parliamentary Council, Rt. Hon. Mustapha Ishola, announced the initiative at a press conference on Monday, describing it as a deliberate effort to redefine leadership through the lens of heritage and responsibility.
The conference, themed “Eko as Legacy: Lawmaking, Leadership, and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage,” reflects what organisers describe as a growing need for leaders who are grounded in identity while shaping policy and governance.
Ishola said the three-day programme is structured to blend culture with leadership development, beginning with an awareness walk to showcase the richness and diversity of Lagos heritage.
This will be followed by a legislative debate involving student representatives across the five divisions of the state, designed to simulate parliamentary engagement and deepen understanding of governance processes.
The event will culminate in a grand finale bringing together policymakers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders for high-level discussions on governance, youth inclusion, and cultural preservation.
According to Ishola, the initiative goes beyond academic engagement, serving as a platform where culture informs leadership and leadership, in turn, protects cultural legacy.
While acknowledging the Lagos State Government’s support for students through bursaries and scholarships, the student leader raised concerns over delays and inefficiencies in the disbursement process.
He noted that many students struggle with access due to registration challenges and limited awareness, calling for a more transparent, inclusive, and student-friendly system.
Ishola emphasised that effective leadership must be responsive and inclusive, urging stronger collaboration between government and student representatives.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to responsible representation, stating that the student parliament would continue to amplify the voices of students while promoting accountability and constructive engagement.
Describing ELC 5.0 as more than a campus event, Ishola said it represents a broader movement to connect students across institutions and even in the diaspora around shared values of leadership and cultural identity.
He called on stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to support the initiative, noting that it provides a platform for shaping leaders who are not only competent but culturally conscious.