Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – Today, Covenant University in Nigeria hosted a remarkable public lecture by Professor Peter A. Okebukola on “The Black Race and the Leadership Question.” This event, organized in celebration of Chancellor Dr. David O. Oyedepo’s 70th birthday, drew attention to the challenges facing leadership across Africa and the broader Black community. It called for visionary leadership that can harness Africa’s potential, despite historical and ongoing challenges.
The special lecture, held at the university’s main auditorium, highlighted not only the personal milestone of Bishop Oyedepo, who has made significant contributions to both education and ministry, but also delved into Africa’s leadership crisis and possible pathways to renewal. Covenant University, under Oyedepo’s leadership, has itself become a model of what vision-driven leadership can achieve, being consistently ranked as one of Nigeria’s top universities.
A Critical Examination of Leadership in Africa
In his lecture, Prof. Okebukola underscored Africa’s rich potential, while lamenting the continent’s continued struggles with leadership. He observed that the Black race, particularly in Africa, is plagued by leadership that lacks vision, accountability, and integrity. He noted that many African leaders fail to rise to the challenges of governance, development, and long-term planning.
“Africa is blessed with abundant natural resources and human talent, yet we remain underdeveloped, largely because of weak leadership. Our leaders often prioritize short-term political gain over sustainable progress,” Okebukola stated during the lecture.
He referenced data from Statista, indicating that nearly 429 million people in Africa are living in extreme poverty, with several countries like Nigeria, Malawi, and Mozambique seeing alarming poverty rates. “The challenge is clear: Africa needs leadership that is not only visionary but also honest, ethical, and committed to addressing the systemic challenges that keep our people in poverty,” Okebukola said.
Citing examples from the Bible, Okebukola emphasized the unity of humanity, highlighting the need for African leaders to see their role as that of servanthood—working for the collective good rather than personal gain. He referenced biblical figures like the Queen of Sheba and the Ethiopian eunuch to emphasize that the Black race has historically held significant roles in global history. However, today’s challenges demand modern solutions and transformational leadership.
Linking Leadership to Education
A key part of the lecture focused on the role of education in shaping future leaders. Covenant University has been a beacon of educational excellence, and under Oyedepo’s leadership, it has produced graduates who have gone on to make meaningful contributions globally. Prof. Okebukola called for a rethinking of African education systems to focus more on leadership development, problem-solving, and critical thinking. He argued that Africa’s education must not merely churn out certificates but should build capacity in its young people to innovate and drive change.
“Leadership isn’t about holding positions; it’s about creating solutions,” Okebukola remarked, echoing one of Oyedepo’s famous assertions. He further praised the university’s efforts to develop a curriculum that equips students to not only thrive in their careers but also contribute to national and continental progress.
Reflecting on Bishop Oyedepo’s Contributions
The celebratory tone of the event was clear as participants acknowledged Bishop Oyedepo’s extensive contributions to education, ministry, and philanthropy. As the founder and Chancellor of Covenant University, Landmark University, and several other educational institutions, Oyedepo’s vision of raising leaders has gained international recognition. The audience, including students, faculty, and invited guests, were reminded of Oyedepo’s famous mantra: “It doesn’t have to be white to be right,” which underscores the need for Africans to have confidence in their own abilities and resources.
Prof. Okebukola acknowledged the role Oyedepo has played in shifting the narrative for African students and young leaders. Through his leadership, Covenant University has consistently ranked among Nigeria’s best, with graduates excelling globally in various fields, from engineering and technology to arts and humanities.
A Call to Action for the Black Race
As the event concluded, Prof. Okebukola made a passionate call to action for leaders across the continent. “The future of the Black race lies in our hands,” he said. “We cannot afford to wait for others to solve our problems. We must take responsibility, foster unity, and commit to leadership that empowers future generations.”
He urged the attendees to reflect on the legacies they are building and to pursue leadership that would uplift their communities and nations. Okebukola also called on young people, especially those at Covenant University, to rise to the challenge, citing them as Africa’s next generation of leaders who have the tools and education to effect real change.
Today’s event was not just a celebration of Bishop Oyedepo’s achievements and milestone but a moment for introspection on the state of leadership in Africa and the Black community at large. It marked a renewed call for transformative leadership that embraces service, accountability, and a long-term vision for progress.