By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Lagos State University, Ojo has conferred an honourary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters (Commerce, Industry and National Development) on the chairman, Doyin Group of Companies, Prince Samuel Adedoyin.
Adedoyin received the award along with a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State Prince Tajudeen Olusi.
The latter was awarded a honourary doctorate degree in Literature, History, Education and Community Development.
The award was conferred on them on Thursday at the grand finale of the institution’s 27th convocation ceremony.
Adedoyin’s bosom friend Chief Razaq Okoya was at the event to rejoice with the industrialist.
Presenting the award, the chancellor of the university Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN) commended Adedoyin for his giant strides in industry, adding that his philanthropy was worthy of emulation.
An elated Vice chancellor Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello pointed out that Adedoyin has distinguished himself both in business and philanthropy, stressing that it was the reason the Governing Council, Senate and Management of the institution gladly decided to confer the award on the business mogul.
As part of his contributions to LASU’s development, Olatunji-Bello disclosed that Adedoyin just donated a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre to the university.
She thanked the business icon for the donation.
She said: “Both of them being honoured today have done very well for the society and themselves.”
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended LASU for choosing Adedoyin and Olusi for the award, stressing that both have distinguished themselves in the society.
He described Adedoyin as one of the titans of our time.
“ You are both exemplary role models. Our young ones should emulate you.” The governor said.
Sanwo-Olu commended LASU for fulfilling the dreams of its founding fathers, pledging to sustain state government’s support to the institution. He also praised the vice chancellor for providing exemplary leadership which is helping LASU to shine nationally.
Responding, Adedoyin, dubbed doyen of business, thanked God for the opportunity to be considered for the honour.
The octogenarian recalled his journey in life, thanking God for allowing him rise from nothing to something.
“God helped me to rise from nowhere to somewhere. I thank God Almighty for making it possible to stand before you today. He made it possible for the vision I had to be realized. God has even helped me to achieve more than my dream. Even at this age, I’m happy that I can still do something for my country.
” I decided to cite the ICT Centre here because God blessed me in this land, hence I should donate to this land. I will still do more. Even though people say times are hard, but with determination and prayer to God, Nigeria can achieve the seemingly impossible.
“Through this present govt, Nigeria will rise. May God allow us to lead in the world.”