Banji Alabi Hails Echegile’s Appointment, Celebrates His Journey of Excellence and Service
Banji Alabi Hails Echegile’s Appointment, Celebrates His Journey of Excellence and Service
Banji Alabi, Esq., has celebrated the appointment of his former classmate and friend, Ambassador Godson Echegile, OFR, as Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
In a special citation released to our heritage Reporter online,honouring the distinguished banker, diplomat, statesman and educationist, Alabi described Echegile as a man whose life exemplifies excellence, institution-building and selfless service.
Alabi, who shared five years of schooling with Echegile at Imade College, Owo, said the appointment represents a fitting recognition of a man who has consistently used every position entrusted to him to develop people, strengthen institutions and give back to society.
Full statement reads:
CELEBRATION CITATION / SPEECH
IN HONOR OF AMBASSADOR GODSON ECHEGILE, OFR
Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council – Southern Delta University, Ozoro
National President, Imade College Old Students Association, Owo
My Lords, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, we pause to celebrate a life that proves one truth:
That true leadership is not about titles held, but about lives lifted.
Today, we celebrate Ambassador Godson Echegile, OFR.
A LIFE BUILT ON EXCELLENCE
1. THE BANKER: ARCHITECT OF INSTITUTIONS
In 1986, he walked into Nigeria International Bank — now CitiBank — with a First Class degree in Natural Science from the University of Lagos.
By 1996, sheer brilliance and discipline had made him Executive Director
He did not just work in banks. He built institutions.
1. THE DIPLOMAT & STATESMAN: NIGERIA’S FINEST
He served our nation as Nigerian Ambassador/High Commissioner to Sierra Leone during delicate post-war peace negotiations.
He has also served as Special Adviser, Executive Director at the Federal Housing Authority, a
Why? Because he delivers
1. THE EDUCATIONIST: OUR PRIDE, OUR PRESIDENT
Sir, permit me to speak as an old boy.
I was privileged to share the same class with Ambassador Echegile for 5 years at Imade College, Owo — our Alma Mata.
He is not just an alumnus.
He is the National President of Imade College Old Students Association.
And under his presidency, he has achieved what no one has in 60 years
He has renovated more classrooms at Imade College than the State Government.
He has done more than the combined effort of the community and all Old Students Associations put together.
That is not charity.
That is devotion. That is legacy. That is unprecedented.*
1. THE VISIONARY CHANCELLOR: BUILDING THE FUTURE
Today, he presides as Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Southern Delta University,
Under his watch, SDU will become a beacon of academic excellence and skills-driven learning in the Niger Delta.
WHY WE HAIL HIM TODAY
We hail Ambassador Echegile because:
1. He builds what he meets— From banking halls, to classrooms, to university councils.
2. He never forgets his roots— Imade College bears his unmistakable signature.
3. He develops people and ideas
— A “man of many parts” who turns every platform into an opportunity for human development.
Sir, you are living proof that excellence in the private sector can birth excellence in public service.
And that success only has meaning when you lift others as you climb.
OUR DECLARATION
Ambassador Godson Echegile, OFR
-Chancellor, Southern Delta University
-National President, Imade College, Owo
-Pride of the Niger Delta
-Pride of Imade College
-Pride of Nigeria*
-We celebrate you.
-We honor you.
-We thank you.
May your reign at Southern Delta University raise a new generation of trailblazers.
May your work at Imade College inspire the next 60 years.
Congratulations, to my brother, my friend and classmate
Banji Alabi, Esq.
Proud Old Boy, Imade College Owo
