The Chairman of the occasion, our beloved elder statesman, Diplomat and Former Secretary for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Izoma Phillip Chukwuedo Asiodu, CFR, CON, HLR.
Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State. Our worthy role model.
Your Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Audu Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.
Your Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ably represented here by the Secretary of State to the Lagos State Government.
Our distinguished elder statesmen, Role Models and Great Nigerians who have worked tirelessly and have done Nigeria so proud and continue to give us hope for a better future.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen, on behalf of our chairman board of trustees Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu who unfortunately cannot be here today, we welcome you to the birth and public presentation of Hallmarks of Labour Book 11.
Years gone so quickly, when I remember that the first book in this series which focused on:
- Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo
- Honourable Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa
- Mr. Allison Akene Ayida was published in 1999
Since then many have followed and today, we celebrate book 11 a befitting tribute to hard work and resilience. Thanks be to God Almighty.
It has not been without challenges though particularly in our operating environment; however, the Foundation remains determined in its resolve that our country Nigeria is not a lost case, no no we are not!
We believe against all odds, that Nigeria boasts of men and women who can match their counterparts anywhere in the world and a look at our HLF roll call and book series is a testimony to the fact.
True, every country have their own share of men and women of note, who have made their marks and left their footprints on the sands of time. However, their achievements are not always adequately celebrated or chronicled. We at the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation believe that this should not be so; that there should be a Roll of Honour of great achievers who in their areas of specialization have done Nigeria proud, and have become veritable role models for our young and aspiring generations.
The Foundation will continue to project and document the achievements of these worthy patriots for the present and future generations. Copies of Hallmarks of Labour book series are there for you to see.
As a country Nigeria has so much to thank God for.
The 2023 elections have come and gone and a President elected. Despite all the negative speculations and pessimistic views, Nigeria stands tall. Before we went to the polls in February, Nigerians were worried and even scared. Christians, Moslems and Traditionalists prayed fervently for Divine intervention and that God’s Will be done; even as many had their different interpretations of God’s will.
None-the-less the Lord prevailed.
I remain a firm believer that Nigeria will continue to rise and take its rightful place among the comity of Nations and the signs abound. We are blessed with abundant Natural as well Human Resources. It is time for us all to support our leaders and help build the Nigeria of our dreams. We have no other country to call our own so we are duty-bound to make Nigeria a better place for us, our children, and our children’s children.
The Hallmarks of Labour Foundation proudly presents Volume 11, which focuses on four distinguished gentlemen, Great Nigerians who unquestionably have served Nigeria selflessly with dignity and moral uprightness. They all have made valuable impact in their fields both in Nigeria and on the global stage. They are worthy patriots and outstanding role models for us all to emulate.
Furthermore, the presentation of this publication re-enforces our belief that Nigeria is a reservoir of noble men and women, who by dint of hard-work and moral uprightness, can match and or surpass their counterparts anywhere in the world. Thus, if our society seems to be declining in morality, diligence and patriotism, it definitely emphasizes the urgent need for our youth and Nigerians in general to study and emulate the positive characteristics and achievements of these Great Nigerians for the benefit of this and future generations.
To this end, the Foundation will continue to work hard towards achieving our aims and objectives:
❖ Identify Nigerians and people of the black race who have achieved success through hard-work, honesty and integrity in their fields of endeavour.
❖ Use the achievements of these role models to demonstrate to Nigerians that success through honest labour is rewarding and fulfilling.
❖Promote a positive attitude among Nigerians, especially the youths, and encourage them to reject fraud, dishonesty and greed as means to success.
❖ Help make Nigeria a decent society that attracts a pride of place in the comity of nations.
Till date, the Foundation has identified and presented 90 Role models with impeccable credentials and exemplary achievements. It is our hope that our youths will emulate them for the benefit of a greater Nigeria.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we proudly present to you:
- HE, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari — CFR, OCORT, HLR
- HE, Professor Akinwande Bolaji Akinyemi — CFR, Fniia, Faps, Fssan, Faia, HLR
- HE, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu — CON, FAEng, FAS, FNSE, FNSChE, HLR
- Professor Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu — SAN, OON, NPOM, HLR,
I recommend this publication and others in the Hallmarks of Labourseries to everyone. You will find them inspiring.
I welcome you all here again and wish you an enjoyable afternoon.
I thank you all for coming.