A cross-section of influential public officials, business executives, media proprietors, diplomats, academics and humanitarian advocates from across the world converged in London as the EuroKnowledge Institute, in partnership with Richmond College, United Kingdom, honoured prominent Nigerian leaders and individuals, whose contributions have shaped leadership, innovation and public service across different sectors.
The 2026 Honorary Doctorate and Distinguished Fellows Conferral Ceremony, held on July 17 in London, celebrated achievements spanning government, education, enterprise, healthcare, media, technology, law, diplomacy and humanitarian service.
Among the distinguished recipients of the EuroKnowledge honorary doctorate awards were Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, Chairman of Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC); Dr. John Momoh, Founder of Channels Media Group; Sir Conor Burns, former UK Minister of State for Trade Policy; Mrs Onikepo Akande, former Nigerian Minister of Industry; Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; Alex Apau Dadey, Executive Group Chairman of KGL Group, Ghana; Pastor Afolabi Thomas Oketunji, Founder and President of Focus Initiatives and Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy International Church; Col. Kolawole Kayode Shaw (retd); Managing Director of Kolie Mobs Ventures Limited; Papachsorn Meepa, Founder and President of Phuket9; alongside several other distinguished personalities from different parts of the world.
In a statement by the Event Manager, Mr Tokunbo Fayomi, yesterday, the organisers further disclosed that the event underscored the growing international emphasis on recognising leaders, whose works have transcended national boundaries and contributed to societal development, while also providing a platform for dialogue on the future of leadership, innovation and global cooperation.
Participants drawn from Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East included government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, diplomats, media executives and professionals from diverse industries, reflecting the international character of the gathering.
Proceedings were anchored by internationally acclaimed event strategist Linda Pereira while the ceremony commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Baha Altay, Head of Academics at Richmond College, before participants were addressed by Sir Burns, who delivered a keynote lecture titled, “Innovation, Education & Global Impact.”
One of the major highlights of the programme was a Global Leadership & Enterprise Dialogue chaired by Dr. Momoh, Founder and Chairman of Channels Television. The session featured an international panel that examined evolving approaches to leadership, innovation, education and the future of global enterprise in an increasingly interconnected world.
The Institute conferred honorary doctorate awards on individuals, whose careers have been associated with significant contributions in public administration, media, business, education, healthcare, faith-based leadership, technology, law, diplomacy, real estate and humanitarian initiatives.
Beyond the honorary doctorate awards, the Institute also admitted accomplished professionals into its body of distinguished fellows in recognition of contributions to leadership, governance, communications, entrepreneurship, education, technology and public service.
According to the organisers, the fellowship recipients represent institutions and organisations operating across several continents, reflecting the Institute’s objective of promoting international cooperation while acknowledging excellence across diverse professional disciplines.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman of the Institute, Alex Itkin, said the significance of the recognition lies not merely in celebrating achievement but in encouraging greater responsibility and inspiring future generations of leaders.
“Recognition becomes meaningful when it strengthens responsibility, inspires others and creates a wider culture of leadership and service.”
Following the formal investiture, recipients reflected on leadership, service and the importance of international collaboration before participating in a networking reception attended by invited guests from government, academia, business and civil society.
The engagement provided an avenue for participants to explore opportunities for deeper partnerships, knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration in areas of education, enterprise and sustainable development.
The organisers said the honorary doctorate and distinguished fellows conferral has continued to evolve into an international platform dedicated to recognising individuals, whose achievements demonstrate excellence, integrity and sustained commitment to leadership, innovation, education, enterprise and humanitarian service.
Honorary doctorate ceremonies have increasingly become platforms through which academic and professional institutions acknowledge exceptional contributions to society outside the traditional academic pathway.
Such recognitions often celebrate leadership, innovation, public service, philanthropy and enterprise, while encouraging collaboration among governments, educational institutions and the private sector.
The Institute described itself as an international leadership and knowledge platform committed to recognising excellence, promoting education and strengthening collaboration between academia, business and public service.
Through its partnerships and recognition initiatives, the Institute said it seeks to celebrate individuals, whose work advances responsible leadership, innovation and sustainable global development.
(The Sun)
