According to Bishop David Oyedepo, Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Regents at Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, until African leaders view leadership as a way to address societal issues rather than just holding a position, the continent may not make the correct decisions.
He added that it is not a good idea to go beyond the continent for solutions to its issues.
These were said on Friday during the university’s 18th convocation event, which was dubbed “Release of Eagles 2023” and was led by Bishop Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.
Oyedepo, who gave a speech that he themed “Looking Ahead,” added that every living thing is called to solve problems where they are planted.
He said: “Leadership is not the position held but the solution provided. Good leaders think about others, they think about the future, they think about solutions to problems among others. They are creative, innovative and are focused.
“You can’t arrive at a future you are not prepared for. No foreign interest will help us find solutions to our problems.
“Plants don’t move from one point to the other, it is where they are that they solve all their problems and get what they need.
“When the colonial masters came, they didn’t meet our forefathers living on trees. It was not the colonial masters that taught out fathers how to cook, take care of their health. They were doing those things before the colonialists arrived.
Buhari Is In Qatar For A United Nations Conference
“Out fathers had ways of defending themselves against intruders. That is why in Covenant University we are 99.9 percent indigenous.
“Universities should add value to the society and I am happy that Covenant University is doing just that,” Oyedepo said.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor, Bishop David Abioye, admonished the graduands to be ready to start small and aim for greater heights in their callings.
According to him, starting small would allow them to start on a solid foundation among other advantages.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, said 283 out of the 1,175 graduating students bagged first class degree, the highest in the history of the university.
He also disclosed that 57 doctorate degree holders were also part of the graduating set. Another record in the history of the institution.
Adebayo stated that the university was ranked the best in Nigeria. It was the best in West Africa and seventh on the continent by the Times Higher Education, THE, in 2023.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Dr Chris Mayaiki, also spoke. He lauded the university for the giant strides it has made since its inception.
Follow us on facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.