President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO); Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, and Kola Adesina, managing director of Sahara Power Group, on the well-deserved conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on them by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The University recognised Dr Okonjo-Iweala for her trailblazing as the first African woman to lead the WTO and for introducing significant reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector. It honoured Adeola for his pioneering role in the Nigerian banking sector and for founding the FATE Foundation, an NGO mentoring young Nigerian entrepreneurs through training and loans.
While Adesina, an alumnus of the University, was recognised for his innovative contributions to the energy industry. Adesina is the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Sahara Power Group, an energy and infrastructure organisation with operations in 42 countries.
The three distinguished Nigerians were awarded a Doctor of Science honorary degree (D. Sc) by the University at its 55th convocation on January 16.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, deeply admires these exceptional Nigerians who have excelled in their careers and are role models for the nation’s youth.
In one of the congratulatory letters, President Tinubu praised Adesina for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting this recognition as a reflection of his commitment to advancing national development.
“Your visionary leadership at Sahara Power Group has been transformative, ensuring sustainable power solutions and inspiring professionals across the energy sector to pursue excellence. This honorary degree is a well-deserved acknowledgement of your tireless efforts to elevate engineering standards and drive innovation in Nigeria,” President Tinubu remarked.
The President stated that the three Nigerian icons deserve recognition for their pursuit of excellence, hard work, and invaluable contributions to the nation’s economic development.
“I encourage you to continue to serve as beacons of hope, innovation, and inspiration for future generations. Please know that your contributions remain deeply valued by the government and people of Nigeria,” the President states.
President Tinubu wished Dr Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola and Adesina more success.
