Valley View University, Ghana’s leading chartered institution, has bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, hailing him as a beacon of good governance in Africa.
Prof. William Koomsion, the university’s Vice Chancellor, highlighted Governor Adeleke’s impressive track record in business and as a former Senator.
He commended the governor’s dedication to education, citing his significant scholarship contributions as a senator. Additionally, Koomsion praised Adeleke’s commitment to workers’ welfare, infrastructural development, and upholding the rule of law.
The Seventh Day Adventist-affiliated university welcomed Governor Adeleke as the keynote speaker for their convocation themed, ‘Imparting Excellence, Integrity, and Service: Nurturing Ethical Leaders in a Changing World.’ In his address, the governor emphasized the critical role of good governance in safeguarding democracy across Africa.
Upon receiving the honor, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to propelling Osun State to greater achievements through effective governance.
He said: “Our administration was only doing what we are elected to do, which is selfless pro -people service. Little did we know we were being monitored even outside Nigeria. I did not know that our modest effort had so much impact beyond our imagination. This is a challenge to do more.”
During his address as a guest speaker at the convocation ceremony, the governor expressed concern over the declining democratic values, attributing it to the lack of dedication by numerous leaders towards effective governance.
Adeleke emphasized the dilemma leaders encounter in balancing excellence and integrity in their public roles. He stressed the importance for leaders to adhere to established rules and steer clear of unethical behaviors.
He said: “Doing the right thing as a leader in policy delivery is the expected output of every public leader. Ensuring best service delivery with the right moral compass is the best of expectation in public life, and achieving both excellence and integrity is the calling of ethical leaders.
“Ethical leaders are expected to be rule-driven, honest, consistent, goal-driven and oriented towards the aspirations of the people. He or she should avoid corruption and ensure public resources and serve the public interest. In his mind, nothing should interfere with community joint vision. The wellbeing of the people is the driven force of all ethical leaders.”
“In my state back in Nigeria, I have four rule of engagement as a governor namely: adherence to the rule of law, zero tolerance for corruption, commitment to good governance, and fear of God in public leadership.”
| ThisDay
