Oyo State Governor 'Seyi Makinde reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people during the third convocation ceremony of Precious Cornerstone University in Ibadan on Monday. Emphasizing an ethos of ethical leadership, Governor Makinde highlighted the importance of accountability and transparency in governance as fundamental to restoring public trust.
In a lecture titled "Faith, Leadership and Governance: Preparing the Next Generation for Ethical Leadership in Nigeria," the governor argued that for the country to meet its full potential, a new generation of ethical leaders must emerge. He stated that increasing participation from responsible individuals in politics is crucial to combat the influence of unethical governance, cautioning that "the less good people are trying to walk into governance, the more unethical people will continue to thrive."
Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to embrace politics as a means to effect positive change. "Do not avoid politics for fear of tarnishing your integrity," he said. "If good individuals refrain from entering the political arena, it will inevitably be filled by those with less honorable intentions."
Governor Makinde also pointed to significant improvements in Oyo State's budget performance during his administration, noting that it has risen from 35% to over 70%. This, he attributed to a robust engagement with communities to ensure their needs are accurately reflected in state budgets.
He underscored the necessity of ethical leadership traits such as integrity, transparency, and commitment to moral principles, using the state government's responsive approach during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. The governor also shared that since taking office, his administration has maintained an open feedback system to hear citizens' concerns and ideas.
"Ethical leaders inspire trust, foster respect, and hold themselves accountable," he said, reiterating that "Oyo State will always put the people first."
In his opening remarks, the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University, Bishop Francis Wale-Oke, commended Governor Makinde for his contributions to the education sector and urged graduates to represent the institution honorably as they embark on their future paths.
The event was attended by several key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, and Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, among others.