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By Uche Okobi
The University of Lagos Consultancy Services Limited (UNILAG Consult Ltd) has announced plans to honour the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, with a professorial chair and a commemorative book launch in recognition of his outstanding contributions to leadership and governance in Nigeria.
The celebration, slated for Wednesday, November 5, will be held at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium, Akoka, Lagos. The ceremony will feature the unveiling of a book, titled, “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri,” an international public lecture, and the formal inauguration of a professorial chair on leadership and good governance.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, the managing director and chief executive officer of UNILAG Consult Ltd, Professor John Lekan Oyefara, said the event seeks to document, celebrate and institutionalise the leadership ideals of the Governor, whose administration in Bayelsa State reflects vision, inclusiveness and innovation.
According to Oyefara, “We shall unveil a thought-provoking book and host an international public lecture, featuring distinguished speakers from within and outside Nigeria. This triple event will celebrate and institutionalise the leadership accomplishments of Governor Douye Diri, a man whose governance style embodies integrity and vision.”
He revealed that the professorial chair, to be hosted within the University of Lagos, is conceived as an enduring academic legacy to promote research, teaching and policy dialogue on ethics, transparency and people-oriented governance. The initiative, he added, aims to inspire academic inquiry into leadership principles that can strengthen governance across Africa.
“This chair is a living academic legacy that will foster dialogue on ethical leadership, transparency and innovation,” he said. “Governor Diri’s model of technology-driven and inclusive governance represents the kind of leadership we seek to promote and preserve for posterity.”
Hope Eghagha, Professor of English and the general editor of the forthcoming book, said the project reflects UNILAG’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia, governance and public policy. He described the initiative as a knowledge-based platform that celebrates leaders whose governance reflects accountability and compassion.
“Diri’s use of technology to drive development in Bayelsa State is particularly commendable,” Eghagha stated. “We saw how drones were deployed to deliver medical supplies to remote communities, an innovation that speaks volumes about leadership creativity and empathy.”
He noted that the book provides an analytical documentation of the governor’s political journey, values and achievements. “This is not just a tribute but an academic intervention that encourages the study of leadership models that work,” he added.
The upcoming professorial chair will focus on research and teaching in public ethics, governance systems and sustainable development. It will also serve as a resource hub for training future leaders on transparency, innovation and people-first governance.
According to Oyefara, UNILAG Consult previously led a similar documentation project on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the university’s commitment to spotlighting leaders whose actions inspire reform and progress.
Other officials at the press briefing included Mr. Segun Shodunke, head of operations, and Mr. Sola Ojewusi, who both emphasised that the initiative represents an alignment between academia and governance in shaping Nigeria’s leadership culture.
The event is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including national and international dignitaries, policymakers, diplomats and academics, to deliberate on the future of governance and leadership excellence in Africa.
Oyefara expressed optimism that the professorial chair would serve as a beacon of research and dialogue for years to come.
