ELELE: The Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, has charged Nigerian graduates to pursue excellence with discipline, consistency, and purpose in all their endeavours.
Adedeji gave the charge on Friday, November 28, 2025, after he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by Madonna University, Nigeria, at 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, Very Rev. Fr. Prof. Emmanuel Edeh.
Adedeji was honoured alongside Dr. Chuka Nwachukwu, in recognition of what the university described as exceptional achievements in business leadership and outstanding contributions to society.
While presenting the award, the Vice-Chancellor of Madonna University, Prof. Chris Anyanwu, said Adedeji’s professional journey, entrepreneurial success, and commitment to excellence reflect the core values of the institution.
He noted that the Wakanow CEO’s achievements embody leadership, innovation, and service, making him a worthy role model for graduating students.
In his acceptance speech, Adedeji expressed gratitude to the university authorities for the honour, describing it as both humbling and inspiring.
He announced the establishment of an annual academic excellence award of N500,000 each for the three best graduating students at the university, amounting to N1.5 million every year, as part of his contribution to encouraging scholarship and rewarding hard work.
Addressing the graduating students, Adedeji urged them to stand out by committing themselves fully to whatever path they choose, stressing that excellence is not accidental but a product of deliberate effort and integrity.
“Whatever you do, touch excellence, he said. Don’t do anything halfway. If you choose to do something, give it your all.
If it is easy, you can be sure it will not last. But if you remain true to the values you have learnt here, and stay disciplined, there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.
He further encouraged the graduates to embrace resilience, ethical leadership, and continuous learning as they step into a highly competitive global environment, noting that success is sustained by character as much as competence.
The convocation ceremony attracted dignitaries from academia, business, government, and religious institutions, marking another milestone in Madonna University’s commitment to producing graduates equipped for leadership and societal impact.
