UNILAG Celebrates Governor Diri of Bayelsa State with Triple Landmark Honour – Professorial Chair, Book Presentation, and Public Lecture

It was a momentous day of celebration, reflection, and inspiration at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, as the institution rolled out the red carpet for the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri.

The event, a triple landmark celebration, was held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall. It featured the formal presentation of a new book, the institution of a Professorial Chair in Leadership and Good Governance, and a Public Lecture, all organised by the University of Lagos Consultancy Services Limited (UNILAG Consult Ltd) in honour of Senator Douye Diri.

UNILAG Consult Ltd, through this initiative, aims to chronicle Senator Douye Diri’s remarkable story, as well as institutionalize a legacy that inspires sustained academic reflection and critical inquiry into the evolving landscape of leadership and good governance in Nigeria and across Africa.

The event drew an impressive list of dignitaries from the worlds of politics, academia, and public service. Among them were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, who represented the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shetima (confirm spelling), GCON; Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; and prominent Bayelsans such as Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Ambassador (Dr.) Godknows Igali, and Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe, amongst others.

Goodwill Message, Keynote Address ..

Conveying the felicitations of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat (who also represented the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu) lauded Governor Douye Diri for his exemplary and transformational leadership in Bayelsa State.

The goodwill message described the Governor “as a symbol of quiet strength, integrity, and visionary governance whose inclusive and forward-looking approach has continued to foster peace, progress, and sustainable development not only in Bayelsa but across the Niger Delta region”.

Dr. Hamzat commended UNILAG Consult for recognising the value of intellectual engagement in deepening democratic leadership and building a more prosperous Nigeria.

He observed that the UNILAG Consult triple landmark celebration of the Bayelsa State Governor, which includes the establishment of a Professorial Chair in honour of the Governor, was a testament to the enduring connection between knowledge and governance. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State added that the initiative also exemplified how scholarship can illuminate public policy and advance the cause of national development.

Similarly, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State, while delivering the keynote address, celebrated the distinctive style of governance of Governor Diri, which he described as “rooted in humility, inclusiveness, and purpose.”

He noted that Governor Diri is a distinguished Nigerian who has proven himself as a “true patriot, a voice for freedom, progress, and peace in our nation.” According to him, “Governor Diri’s selfless devotion to public service continues to earn him recognition beyond the borders of Bayelsa State.”

In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, commended Governor Diri for endowing a Professorial Chair aimed at advancing knowledge and inspiring future generations. She described the initiative as a lasting investment in human capital and a significant contribution that will continue to enrich leadership studies and governance practice for years to come.

Also speaking at the event, Professor Tunde Babawale, a renowned scholar of the Department of Political Science, where the Professorial Chair is domiciled, reflected on the significance of the Leadership and Good Governance Chair Endowment.

The former Provost of the National Anti-Corruption Academy commended the University’s leadership, the donor, and all partners whose efforts made the endowment a reality.

Unveiling of Leadership Chronicle of Governor Douye Diri

The highlight of the ceremony was the public presentation and unveiling of a new book titled: Leadership Chronicle of Governor Douye Diri.

With sixteen (16) chapters, the book captured the biography, leadership philosophy, as well as achievements and key moments of the political and developmental evolution of Bayelsa State Governor.

Seasoned political analyst and veteran journalist with TVC News, Mr. Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, who reviewed the book, revealed that the preliminary sections of the publication include a foreword, acknowledgement, and appendix.

He noted the book, which is richly illustrated with photographs, is “an important material that transcends political commentary to become a work of historical and policy relevance… Its usefulness stems not only from being a product of teamwork but from its compelling call to bear witness to a leadership journey worth studying.”

The renowned public commentator added that the book deserves a place besides newspapers, policy documents, and scholarly works on governance and leadership.

Following the review, the event witnessed a captivating cultural performance, along with an engaging audiovisual short documentary on the Special Guest of Honour, H.E. Governor Douye Diri; a fitting finale to a ceremony that beautifully blended academics with governance, and culture.

Governor Diri: Honoured and Grateful

In his response, Governor Douye Diri expressed deep gratitude to the University of Lagos for the recognition and hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also thanked the Lagos State Government, Governor of Plateau State, members of the Bayelsa State Executive Council, and elder statesman, Dr. Godknows Igali, for their support and presence.

Governor Diri dedicated the honour to the resilient people of Bayelsa State, whose unwavering faith in peace, education, and purposeful leadership continue to inspire his administration. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to unlocking the state’s vast potential and ensuring that the dividends of development reach every community.

Emphasizing the importance of education and capacity building, the Governor noted that the newly endowed Professorial Chair would “nurture leaders who think, act, and serve with the people in mind.”

He called for deeper collaboration between the academia and governments at all levels, noting that “societies progress when institutions of learning and organs of government work together to celebrate public service and raise the next generation of ethical, visionary leaders.”

Courtesy Visit to UNILAG Helmswoman

Earlier in the day, before the commencement of the triple event, the Director of UNILAG Consult, Professor John Oyefara, and Chairman of the UNILAG Consult Board, Professor Uchenna Udeani led Governor Douye Diri and his entourage of dignitaries on a courtesy visit to the Senate House office of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS.

The Vice-Chancellor, along with other members of the University management team, warmly received and welcomed the guests before they proceeded to Tayo Aderinokun Hall, venue for the grand celebration.

Report: Bayo Salau

Photographs: Ayo Oloyede