Nigerians and Igala people in particular must learn to celebrate it’s leaders that are doing well by rewarding excellence in public service
This was a strong call by the Vice Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja, Professor Alewo Johnson Akubo at the 30th Anniversary of Who’s Who in Igala Land, held at Chida International Hotel, Abuja on saturday.
A Peep into Salem University Lokoja Where Prof. Alewo Akubo is Working Wonders
Professor Akubo, in his compelling keynote address urging the Igala people to shift focus from ceremonial recognition to celebrating true excellence and legacy-driven leadership.
In his keynote titled “Echoes in an Empty Hall”, Professor Akubo stated emphatically that titles and positions without evidence of impact should no longer earn leaders accolades. “Let awards and recognition be based on what you have built, not on how many titles you bear,” he charged, calling for a culture that rewards service and measurable development.
He emphasized that poor performers must be called out, and those who failed in office must not be recycled under the banner of experience. “A new era must begin where excellence is the benchmark for influence,” Akubo said, warning against a system that elevates mediocrity and sidelines achievers.
To illustrate the kind of excellence worth celebrating, the professor singled out Archbishop (Dr) Sam Amaga, Founder and Chancellor of Salem University, as an exemplary leader who has used his platform to mentor, educate, and empower the next generation. “Archbishop Amaga is not just a spiritual father, he is a builder of men and a developer of communities,” he declared.
Professor Akubo, himself a product of Archbishop Amaga’s mentorship, praised the Archbishop’s investment in education and leadership development through Salem University. He noted that the institution now offers cutting-edge programs such as Cybersecurity, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, and Public Health, with plans to commence Medicine and Surgery before the end of the year.
“While others build hotels and fuel stations, Archbishop Amaga has built futures — through education, mentorship, and vision,” Akubo remarked, calling on other Igala elites to emulate this legacy of purposeful investment. He urged parents to enroll their children in Salem University, which he described as a serene and purpose-driven environment for raising global leaders.
Akubo stressed that building legacy institutions and mentoring others are greater achievements than holding office. “A true leader is not measured by the number of elections won, but by the lives transformed through their influence,” he said, encouraging a shift in public perception around success.
Additionally, he warned that the culture of rewarding empty prestige has led to underdevelopment, disillusionment, and lost potential across Kogi East. “When you hand awards to those who haven’t delivered, you discourage those who are truly working,” he cautioned.
As the audience, made up of traditional rulers, politicians, professionals, and youth leaders listened attentively, Akubo concluded his message with a challenge: “Let us build a culture where we name and praise those who build, and name and shame those who fail. That’s how nations rise.”
The event closed with standing ovation and renewed calls from attendees for a redefinition of leadership values across Igalaland — moving from echoes and image-building to influence, integrity, and impact.
