Hamzat, Italian Ambassador, others task graduates on National Development
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, challenged professionals to look beyond academic qualifications and demonstrate competence, creativity, and character in their fields, stressing that education’s true value lies in its practical application and impact on society.
Hamzat gave the charge on Saturday at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony of Rome Business School Nigeria, held at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he emphasised the need for graduands to translate their newly acquired knowledge and skills into improved performance and meaningful contributions to their organisations, state and the country at large.
The Deputy Governor noted that postgraduate qualifications should mark the beginning of greater professional responsibility, adding that the knowledge gained should strengthen institutions, grow businesses, improve public services and contribute to national development.
His words, “A certificate may open a door, but it is your competence, character, creativity and capacity to deliver results that will determine how far you go once you walk through it.
There is the need for a more innovative and efficient public service. Modern governance requires fresh thinking, smarter approaches and effective utilisation of available resources to meet the needs of the people.”In his keynote address, Chief Operating Officer, (Pan African) Dangote Cement Plc., Dr Kachin Onubogu, challenged the graduands to look beyond the acquisition of academic qualifications and focus on the character, competence and values required to become effective business leaders, stressing that their contributions to society would ultimately define the value of their education.
While speaking on the theme, “Business Leadership in Africa: Myths, Legends and the Character Required to Win,” Onubogu identified common misconceptions about leadership and business in Africa, noting that effective leadership is not about having all the answers but demonstrating the humility to listen, learn from others and make informed decisions.
He also emphasised the importance of execution, local market knowledge, competence and ethical business practices, observing that strategy without action would yield little progress.
According to him, “sustainable business success must go beyond profit-making to include job creation, community development and positive societal impact.”