- Onibon’s leadership laid a solid foundation for institutional growth
- Abikan, described the publication as a compelling account of transformational leadership
- The event also featured a fundraising session in support of the memoir
A cross-section of traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, and public office holders on Tuesday gathered to honour Professor Nosiru Olajide Onibon at the public presentation of his memoir, Audacity to Lead and Courage to Serve, an event that highlighted his years of service and institutional reforms in the education sector.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the well-attended ceremony attracted representatives of the Lagos State Governor and Deputy Governor, members of the National Assembly, senior academics, legal practitioners, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, underscoring the broad support and recognition the scholar commands.
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In his remarks, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom in Epe, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, described Professor Onibon as an erudite scholar and focused administrator whose tenure as Provost of the Michael Adenuga College of Primary Education (MOCPED) was marked by stability and measurable progress.
According to the monarch, Onibon’s leadership laid a solid foundation for institutional growth and helped reposition the college within the state’s education system. He commended the author for documenting his experiences, noting that the memoir would serve as a guide for current and aspiring leaders.
Delivering his address, Professor Onibon explained that the book chronicles his five years and nine months of stewardship as Provost, a period he described as both challenging and transformative.
He said he assumed office at a time when the institution was grappling with administrative bottlenecks, financial irregularities, and low staff morale.
He revealed that several years of financial records had not been processed, pension deductions had not been remitted, retirees were owed benefits, and confidence within the system was fragile.
“We met serious structural and financial challenges, but we approached them with courage, faith, and collective responsibility,” he said.
The author noted that within the first year of his administration, steps were taken to restore financial transparency, address pension obligations, and stabilise academic activities. He added that stakeholder engagement, teamwork and prudent management helped the institution regain stability and achieve accreditation milestones.
Professor Onibon stressed that the memoir was intentionally written without bitterness or personal attacks, despite the obstacles encountered during his tenure.
“What you are reading is not a book of grievances but a reflection on service, integrity, and institutional growth,” he said.
He further argued that Nigeria’s leadership challenges are largely moral rather than intellectual.
“The greatest deficit in our society is not intellectual capacity but moral and ethical capacity,” he stated, adding that leadership requires doing what is right even when it is difficult.
The book reviewer, Professor Abdulkadri Abikan, described the publication as a compelling account of transformational leadership rooted in quiet resilience.
He noted that the memoir highlights strategic reforms, improved infrastructure, peaceful campus administration, and strengthened academic structures.
According to the reviewer, the author’s refusal to settle scores in the book demonstrates maturity and commitment to institutional development over personal vendettas.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, also spoke on the broader meaning of leadership, emphasizing that it is not limited to political office.
“Leadership is exercised daily, in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Courage to serve must define our actions wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
The event also featured a fundraising session in support of the memoir, with dignitaries and guests pledging donations toward its wider circulation.
Observers described the ceremony as more than a book launch, noting that it became a reflection on ethical governance, accountability, and service-driven leadership in a time when institutions face increasing pressure.
As the event concluded, guests agreed that Audacity to Lead and Courage to Serve stand as both a personal narrative and a broader call for integrity in leadership, offering lessons for administrators, public servants, and future leaders across sectors.
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