Wakanow boss bags honorary doctorate

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, Bayo Adedeji, has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by Madonna University, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in business leadership and contributions to society.

Adedeji received the award recently during the institution’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony held at the University Convocation Arena, Elele, Rivers State.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor of the University, Prof. Emmanuel Edeh, who led other principal officers of the institution in celebrating the awardees.

While presenting Adedeji to the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chris Anyanwu, said his accomplishments “embody the values of our esteemed institution and reflect excellence worthy of emulation.

Another recipient of an honorary doctorate at the ceremony was Dr Chuka Nwachukwu.

In his acceptance remarks, the Wakanow boss urged Nigerian graduates to pursue excellence in all they do, stressing that discipline and distinction remain the sure paths to lasting success.

He also announced the establishment of an annual N500,000 award for each of the three best graduating students, amounting to N1.5m yearly, to promote academic excellence and motivate young achievers.

Adedeji charged the graduands to live purposefully and stand out in character and conduct.

“Whatever you do, touch excellence. Don’t do anything halfway. If you choose to be cold, be cold; if you choose to be hot, be hot. If it is easy, you can be sure it won’t last. But if you remain true to the values you have learnt here, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

A total of 1,800 students graduated at the ceremony, with 120 earning First Class honours across various disciplines.

The convocation lecture was delivered by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zach Adedeji.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Adedeji stressed that young Nigerians and Africans must discard the notion that excellence is exclusive to other parts of the world.

“Excellence is not foreign to us; it is who we are. The world must see Africa not for its challenges but for its potential and capacity to build, innovate and compete globally,” he said.

He also underscored the role of technology in transforming the travel and tourism industry, citing Wakanow’s contribution to positioning Africa as a relevant player in global travel technology.

According to him, technology should also be deliberately deployed to address national security challenges.

He stated, “Technology in travel has proven what is possible when innovation meets structure. The same principle must be invested in combating insecurity in Nigeria. Technology gives us visibility, transparency and preventive capacity, and it must be adopted intentionally.”