“Leadership Demands Conscience And Transparency” – Hon. Ironbar’s Stirring Address At CEPROD Lagos Leadership Summit As He Bags Honourary Doctorate Degree | Blissful Affairs Online
Lagos, Nigeria [26.07.25] – The University of Lagos Guest House Conference Centre became the epicenter of transformative dialogue as The Centre for Public Service, Productivity, and Development (CEPROD), in partnership with Crown University, Delaware, USA and the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners, hosted the prestigious 2025 Lagos Leadership Summit. Under the compelling theme “Integrity in Leadership: Combating Corruption for National Renewal,” the gathering assembled Nigeria’s brightest minds in policymaking, academia, and industry to chart a course for ethical governance.
A Convergence of Visionaries
The summit’s stature was elevated by the presence of distinguished leaders, most notably Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor and Director-General of the Prince Is Coming Political Movement. In a highlight ceremony, Crown University bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Policy and Administration, recognizing his exemplary contributions to governance reform. This honor set the tone for discussions emphasizing merit-based leadership and institutional accountability.
The Lagos Leadership Summit reached a defining moment when Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, freshly honored, delivered a stirring address that cut to the heart of Nigeria’s governance crisis. The Cross River State Chief of Staff and political leader, who stormed the summit in company of many government officials and loyalists most notable amongst whom was Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Special Adviser/General Duties, articulated a visionary blueprint for ethical leadership that left attendees and journalists spellbound.
A Clarion Call for Conscientious Leadership
“True leadership begins with two non-negotiable qualities,” declared Hon. Ironbar, his voice resonating across the University of Lagos conference hall. “First, conscience. Second, transparency. Merge these virtues, and you forge leaders capable of national transformation.”
The political icon painted a sobering picture of systemic corruption permeating all levels of society: “From our classrooms to boardrooms, the cancer of corruption metastasizes when we fail to institutionalize ethical education. Our universities must urgently introduce anti-corruption courses to equip coming generations with moral armor.”
Intergenerational Responsibility in Nation-Building
Hon. Ironbar presented a compelling generational analysis: “The chasm between older leaders and emerging ones grows because we’ve neglected ethical mentorship. We’re eating our future by failing to plant seeds of integrity today.” His solution? “Massive nationwide orientation programs like this summit must become routine vaccination against graft.”
When pressed on his personal commitment, the awardee’s response was unequivocal: “This honor recognizes my track record of transparent leadership. My principle? Lead by example. Take nothing that isn’t yours. Favor no relative over justice. Let conscience be your compass.”
The Ironbar Doctrine of Ethical Governance
The political leader distilled his philosophy into actionable tenets:
Conscience as Leadership Foundation – “No policy should pass the smell test of your moral compass”
Radical Transparency – “Sunlight remains the best disinfectant for corrupt practices”
Meritocratic Insistence – “When family ties conflict with national interest, Nigeria must prevail”
Intergenerational Ethics Transfer – “We must build integrity pipelines from classrooms to government houses”
A Resonating Challenge to Nigeria’s Political Class
As applause thundered through the venue, Hon. Ironbar left attendees with a haunting question: “If not us, who? If not now, when?” His address crystallized the summit’s theme, proving that the battle against corruption requires not just policies, but a fundamental rewiring of leadership consciousness.
The standing ovation that followed signaled broad consensus – Nigeria’s renewal demands more leaders of Hon. Ironbar’s mold, where academic honors align with demonstrable integrity. As participants dispersed, his closing words lingered: “When conscience governs, transparency follows, and national rebirth becomes inevitable.”
Key Takeaways from Hon. Ironbar’s Address:
Corruption as Cultural Pandemic – Requires systemic rather than piecemeal solutions
Education as Antidote – Ethical curriculum needed across educational institutions
Leadership by Example – Personal integrity as non-negotiable for public office
Summit as Catalyst – Regular national dialogues crucial for mindset transformation
