By joshua 
Engr. Makoju memorial lecture: NIgerians urged to reflect on ethical leadership, community service, diligence, moral rectitude.
As the country continue the search for purposive and purposeful leadership, professor Abdulraman Salawu Asipita has charged Nigerians to emulate Engr. Joseph Makoju’s life of community service, diligence, integrity and ethical leadership capable of shaping future generations.
Prof. Asipita gave the charge over the weekend at the 3rd Engr. Joseph Makoju memorial Lecture organised by the Federal University Lokoja, inside the main bowl of 250 seating capacity Lecture theater donated by the family.
Prof Asipita disclosed that the patriarch of Makoju family has exhibited life of excellence, Integrity that has defined legacy of true Leadership which was exemplified by professionalism, diligent qualities to guide approach to governance, industry, and academia.
The guest lecturer stated, late Makoju’s ability to navigate complex challenges and drive transformative change is a model for leaders in all sectors.
According to him, innovation is Key to Industrial Growth and ability to foresee industry trends and adapt accordingly is a major factor for any nation intending to leap into the future with quantum success.
He added that the late Engr. Joseph Oyeyani Makoju during his career time had recognized the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and promoting sustainability, hence, the country ought to continue to foster innovation to drive economic growth.
“Sustainability is Non-Negotiable: Commitment to responsible industrial growth is a guiding principle for our efforts to build a sustainable future. As climate change and environmental concerns take center stage, we are responsible for implementing sustainable – practices in all sectors, particularly in energy and manufacturing.
“Mentorship Ensures Continuity: Investing in human capital development is crucial for. sustaining national progress. We must actively nurture the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
” We must continue to emphasise the importance of developing local engineering
capabilities, a crucial factor in driving sustainable development. We must consciously interrogate our engineers to be committed to developing local talent and ensuring those talents were included in national infrastructure projects if we must move forward in the Nigeria project.
“As Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Technology Osara, I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers and leaders who will carry forward Engr. Dr. Makoju’s legacy. We must equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address the challenges of energy transition and sustainable industrial development” He promised.
The university Don called on all Nigerians to emulate the remarkable achievements of the celebrator and embody the values of innovation, adaptability, sustainability, and leadership.
” Makoju was a true archetype of adaptive leadership, a visionary who transformed Nigeria’s energy. and cement sectors. Even in death, he continues to serve as a beacon of excellence in the fields of energy and manufacturing. His vision for a sustainable future is one that we must all work toward, and his legacy reminds us that the path to progress requires foresight, commitment, and, above all, the willingness to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Earlier , the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed that as part of the university’s contribution to foster and engender recognition to those who have devoted their intellects, wherewithal to promote excellence, the university has instituted a memorial lecture in his name to keep his legacies afloat.
He explained that the 2nd Memorial Lecture was held on April 16, 2024, and today, barely a year later, we are gathered again to reflect, to learn, and to honour a man whose legacy continues to shine.
“He was a colossus in the energy and manufacturing sectors, a nation builder, and above all, a man who gave selflessly for the growth of education and the betterment of humanity.
“At the 2nd Memorial Lecture, the Makoju family announced a very generous donation of a lecture theatre to the University in honour of their beloved patriarch. To the glory of God, I am pleased to announce that the lecture theatre has been completed and was commissioned on Sunday, March 30, 2025. This year’s edition of the memorial lecture is therefore historic, as it is the first to be held in this magnificent edifice. This is a testimony of what visionary support to education can achieve.
“Let me state here with all sincerity that the only way we, as a University, could reciprocate the rare and generous gestures of the late Engr. Joseph Makoju is by instituting this annual memorial lecture. This lecture is not just a tribute to his memory, but a platform to sustain the ideals and values he lived for—excellence, innovation, and nation building. The Makoju family has remained a dependable pillar of support to our University, and we cannot thank them enough.
“On behalf of the Management, staff, and students of Federal University Lokoja, I express our profound appreciation. How I wish we had many more people like the late Engr. Joseph Makoju who are passionately giving back to education, as our education system would surely not remain where it is today.
“Permit me at this point to pay a special tribute to their beloved son, late Enesi Makoju, who would have loved to be with us today. However, it pleased the Lord to call him home on February 25, 2025. His death was a painful blow not only to the Makoju family but also to the entire University community who had come to know and appreciate his gentile spirit and strong commitment to his father’s legacy. We deeply mourn his absence and pray for the continued strength and comfort of the family.”
The erudite scholar stated that the title of the lecture “Archetype of Adaptive Energy Transition and Cement Manufacturing,” is indeed most timely and relevant, especially as Nigeria and other developing nations seek sustainable ways to transition to cleaner energy sources without compromising industrial growth.
While commending the Makoju family for the kind gesture of building a gigantic lecture theatre for the University, urge well to do Nigerians to cultivate a culture of giving back to society as a way of promoting egalitarian and just society.