As part of activities lined up for the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka 15th Convocation Ceremony, an Eminent Professor of Public Health, Parasitology and Entomology, Imo State University, Professor B.E.B Nwoke, delivered a Lecture where he identified the lack of transformational leadership as a major challenge to a deprived society.
Delivering his lecture yesterday in Abraka,the erudite scholar noted that only a leadership that could bring about a marked change in the living conditions of the people was needed in a deprived society like Nigeria, still listed among the poorest nations of the world despite her great potentials in natural and human resources.
He, however, regretted that the quality of leadership in the society had nose-dived at all levels due to the sharp departure from the standards set by the founding fathers of the nation, who during their time effectively stepped into the shoes of the colonial masters in administering the regions, with their then respective comparative advantages.
Prof Nwoke advocated attitudinal change of both the leaders and the citizens to be able to achieve the desired transformation anchored on transparency and integrity.
The Guest Speaker dwelt on the infringement and in some cases outright negation of ethical and cultural values in present day society, clearly exhibited in the form of selfishness, greed and avarice, with the attendant impacts on the type and quality of leadership and consequently on the level of socioeconomic and political development of the nation, culminating in failed leadership.
The University Don said there was an urgent need for the reawakening of strong and sustainable ethical and cultural values and structure that could grow and nurture a robust and purpose-driven leadership, insisting that there should be bonds of kinship, condemnation of unethical behaviour, dignity of labour and celebration of genuine achievements, dignity of man, respect for constituted authority and justice, as well as sacredness of life, if an egalitarian society must be guaranteed.
Prof Nwoke said to stimulate the future growth of the country, come out of the present precarious situation and enforce change in the society, certain institutions, including the family, educational institutions and religious organisations must play their roles in inculcating cherished ethical and cultural values.
He stated that there was also the need for a recruitment process to mentor the nation’s future leaders in governance excellence in all segments of the society, adding that it was high time all true citizens of the country collaborated with one another to ensure that Nigeria remained on the path of sustainable growth and development.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Prof Sam Oyovbaire; the Vice Chancellor, Prof Andy Egwunyenga; a former Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Eric Arubayi , representatives of sister institutions, among others.