By Newsheadline247
Pan-Atlantic University’s Alumni International Conference brought together industry leaders and graduates to discuss leadership, integrity, entrepreneurship and success
PAU Alumni Conference: Coleman CEO, Okonedo Urge Graduates to Embrace Leadership, Integrity
The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association (PAUAA) has brought together industry leaders, graduates, students and other stakeholders at its Alumni International Conference, with speakers emphasising integrity, leadership, personal development and the need to create opportunities beyond the classroom.
The conference, themed “The Advantage: Connecting People, Ideas and Opportunities,” provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share professional experiences and explore how alumni could contribute to institutional development and national transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, PAUAA President, Dr Onyebuchi Odianjo, stressed the importance of giving back to the institution that had shaped the lives and careers of its graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo, described the conference as historic, highlighting its role in strengthening engagement among members of the university community.
“At Pan-Atlantic University, we believe that we can transform our nation with our actions. Our focus is the transformation of our society. We are the ambassadors; we stand out through our work ethic and values. Let’s mirror the change we want to see and carry out our ambassadorship diligently,” she said.
The keynote speaker, George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Wires and Cables, urged participants to invest in personal development and share their professional knowledge and experience with others.
He maintained that success required patience, consistent effort and strong personal values rather than shortcuts.
“Patience, hard work, and integrity get you there. Vision, focus, discipline, integrity, and good character matter in one’s formation. Leadership should be by example. Build a status that makes you a go-to person,” Onafowokan said.
He also encouraged participants to develop the discipline and credibility needed to become trusted professionals and leaders in their respective fields.
The Special Guest of Honour, Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, focused on family relationships, personal development and the preparation of young people for adulthood.
She advised parents to guide their children while allowing them the freedom to express themselves, stressing that competence should be matched with confidence.
Ajayi also urged young people to discuss their ambitions and expectations openly with their partners before marriage, emphasising the importance of communication in building lasting relationships.
The conference featured two panel sessions addressing professional growth, entrepreneurship, creativity and the changing meaning of success.
The first session, titled “Built to Scale,” featured Peter Bamkole, Elozino Olaniyan, Deji Lana, Titilayo Oyinsan and Temi Salami.
The panellists encouraged participants, particularly students and young professionals, to begin pursuing their ambitions early rather than waiting until they had completed their education.
They highlighted the PSPP principle — People, Systems, Process and Patience — as a framework for building sustainable ventures and achieving long-term goals.
Other contributions focused on the importance of having a clear vision, remaining productive, building meaningful relationships and identifying opportunities to provide value to others.
Participants were also encouraged to make themselves available to meet practical needs within their communities and professional environments, rather than remain idle while waiting for opportunities.
The second panel, titled “Beyond the Classroom: Alumni Who Redefined Success,” explored how graduates could build meaningful careers by leveraging their individual strengths and pursuing opportunities outside conventional career paths.
The session featured Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Goodluck Lakinbofa, Mojibade Sosanya, Daniel Nnwoka, popularly known as Dan D’ Humourous, and Salem King.
The panellists shared personal experiences highlighting resilience, creativity and purposeful risk-taking, encouraging participants to remain committed to their visions while continuously developing skills and creating value.
Their discussions underscored the role of adaptability and individual talent in shaping professional journeys, particularly in a changing economic and employment landscape.
The conference ended with closing remarks by PAUAA Vice-President, Opeyemi Oluleye, who thanked participants and sponsors for their contributions to the event.
A networking session followed, giving alumni and other attendees an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, establish new connections and explore potential collaborations.
Through the conference, PAUAA reaffirmed the importance of connecting people, ideas and opportunities while encouraging alumni to contribute their knowledge, resources and experience to the continued development of the university and society.
