A Ghanaian NGO, Initiative for Positive Influence on African Youth (IPIAY) based has conferred the Pan African Prize for ‘Excellence in Leadership’ on Dr Oladega Adebogun, the proprietor and Visitor to Caleb University, Imota, Lagos.
The President of the IPIAY, Mr David Christoph presented the award to Adebogun in Lagos recently, according to a statement by the spokesman of the university, Mr Elvis Otobo said.
According to the statement, the Christoph was represented by the Vice President of the Initiative, Mr Kwassi Austin.
The group also awarded Adebogun recognition as an “Icon of Societal and Human Capital Development” for spending over N19 million annually on scholarships for African Youths and providing quality as well as exemplary leadership to the youths.
It lauded Adebogun for his immense contribution to nation building, community development, effective service delivery to Nigerians, selfless and dedicated to the service of God, humanity, Nigeria and Africa.
“Adebogun is honoured for being a well distinguished public servant, who adhered to public service best practices.
“Adebogun is a rare gem, an administrative icon, a man of outstanding, understanding and a true son of Africa.
“We found Adebogun as an erudite and experienced administrator, philanthropist, patriotic Nigerian, distinguished hardworking and amiable personality, benevolent statesman and a man, who believes in equity, fairness and justice.
“Adebogun is a man with magnificent experience and an outstanding community, national and human capital developer per excellence,’’ Austin said at the brief award ceremony held at the university campus, Imota.
The group noted that it took time to scrutinise Adebogun’s pedigrees and discovered him to have committed his time to serve Pan Africanism Ideology.
“Today, Africa is faced with the dire consequence of years of neglect of youths in its racks and this has resulted in various social vices such as conflict, kidnapping and bombings robberies among others.’’
In his response, Adebogun thanked the leadership of the IPIAY for the award and promised to always support African youths, who may seek quality education, mentorship and support at all time.
He reiterated his commitment to investing massively in education with a view to promoting human capital development in Africa.
According to Adebogun, this is will also position the youths academically and intellectually to favourably compete globally.
“I have devoted my life and resources to the building and funding of world-class educational institutions at all levels and this will continue,’’ the educationist said.
The IPIAY is a non-governmental and a non-political association with the aim of building a new Africa.
Previous recipients of the award from the Initiative are the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; President Umar Al-Bashir of Sudan, Dr Yashua Alkali Hamza, Sen. Ben Bruce, Sen. Shehu Sani and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur among others.
