.jpg)
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has received an Award of Excellence and been inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership in recognition of his contributions to leadership, youth development, public service and national development.
Goronyo was also decorated as a Youth Vanguard Ambassador under a programme being developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to showcase their talents, innovations, research and leadership potential.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Abdullahi Mohammed, on Tuesday, the honours were conferred on Goronyo during a special ceremony held on Monday at the Minister’s Conference Hall in Mabushi, Abuja.
The ceremony was led by the Country Director, USA, Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, Dr. Samuel Ojo.
Speaking after receiving the honours, Goronyo expressed appreciation to the Institute and the organisers for the recognition, describing it as both a privilege and a renewed call to contribute more to humanity and national development.
“It is not something small. I take it as a big thing and as another challenge to serve humanity,” the Minister said.
He said his commitment to leadership and youth development had exposed him to various national and international platforms, including engagements with the Global Peace Foundation and programmes in the United States and the Philippines.
Goronyo stressed that effective leadership must be built on transparency, honesty, integrity and accountability, urging public office holders to continually make positive contributions to society.
The Minister also underscored the importance of empowering young Nigerians, describing youth development as critical to the country’s future.
He commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, for what he described as a cordial working relationship and partnership since his assumption of office as Minister of State.
Describing Umahi as “a brother and partner in progress,” Goronyo said their collaboration had helped advance the objectives of the Federal Ministry of Works.
On the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, Goronyo said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated strong commitment to improving road infrastructure through major legacy projects and strategic interventions.
He cited projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and other strategic road corridors as evidence of efforts to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and promote national development.
The Minister added that the adoption of concrete technology on selected major projects would enhance the durability and longevity of road infrastructure across the country.
Goronyo called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Federal Government’s development agenda, particularly efforts aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth.
Earlier, Ojo said the ceremony was organised to formally honour and decorate Goronyo, who was unable to attend an earlier programme of the Institute due to a flight delay.
He explained that the Minister was selected as one of the Institute’s Youth Vanguard Ambassadors because of his demonstrated commitment to youth development and leadership.
According to him, the Youth Vanguard Programme, being developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, would engage young Nigerians through intellectual, innovation and research challenges in tertiary institutions, the Federal Capital Territory and the 36 states.
Ojo said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between talented young Nigerians and opportunities needed to develop and commercialise their ideas.
“We have a lot of talents in the field of innovation and research, but there is no bridge. We are trying to create that bridge through this programme in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development,” he said.
He added that the programme would operate at state, zonal and national levels and would provide opportunities for young Nigerians to develop their talents, promote innovation, create jobs and contribute to national development.
In accepting the Fellowship and professional induction, Goronyo pledged to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability, professionalism, human rights, inclusion and respect for the dignity of all persons.
He also pledged to support human-capacity development and the advancement of the management profession while remaining accountable to the people and society.
The statement said the citation presented at the ceremony highlighted Goronyo’s experience in public service, law, politics and youth mobilisation, including his service at different levels of government and within political party structures.
The event was attended by officials and representatives of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, members of the media and other invited guests.