Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment and Lifestyle network, has been conferred with an honorary award of Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) by the Babcock University Administration at the institution’s 12th convocation ceremony which held today, Sunday, June 01, 2014.
Ms. Abudu was the co-recipient of this prestigious award given to only two deserving Africans annually by the private Christian co-educational Nigerian university owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria. The other recipient is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former Managing Director at the World Bank and globally renowned economist, who was awarded Doctor of Science in Global Economic Development, Honouris Causa.
The Doctorate award, given in recognition of Ms. Abudu’s outstanding and distinguished multi-sector achievements, as well as her brilliant and exceptional contributions to the media and entertainment landscape of Nigeria and indeed, Africa, comes closely after her recognition by CNN, the world’s foremost cable news network, as the woman who conquered the continent of Africa, for her glowing career and business accomplishments, her relentless celebration of a better Africa, as well as her glamorous reputation as the first African woman to own a continent-wide TV channel.
Reflecting on the timeless words of Mohandas Ghandhi which said, “Man can never be a woman’s equal in the spirit of self service with which nature has endowed her”, President and Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor J.A. Kayode Makinde, described Mo, as she is often called by her fans, as “a woman of rare worth, an embodiment of great wit and an inspiration indeed for Africa.”
Eulogizing the virtues and values of the celebrated TV Channel Owner, Talk show hostess, HR Management consultant, Entrepreneur and Venture Capitalist, Professor Makinde declared of Abudu, “You have become a role model to the young and an inspiration to us all. You are cherished for your numerous and brilliant initiatives targeted at bringing relief and smiles to the faces of the suffering. Indeed, Nigeria and all of Africa will forever bear the imprint of your timeless and inspiring contributions to national development.”
In her acceptance speech, Mo Abudu did not mince words about how excited she was at the honour, “I am speechless and honoured to be given this award. I am extremely happy to be associated with this prestigious university. There are so many men and women deserving of this award today, thank you for finding me worthy,” She said.
Addressing the graduating students, she challenged them think big and not to rest on their laurels as they moved on the next chapters of their lives. “Amongst many of you are some big ideas and I want to say to those of you today that have those big ideas, do not be afraid to think big or dream big. Dream beyond your wildest imagination, dream so hard, that it almost seems impossible for it to be ever become reality, then you know you are on to something big!”
She also used her speech to address the problem of insecurity in the country as it affects girl child education. Describing the Babcock University Convocation ceremony itself as a representation of the triumph of education over the forces underdevelopment, she asked her audience to spare a thought for the abducted Chibok girls while praying that God should protect and cause the girls to return safely to their loved ones.
Finally, Dr. Abudu dedicated her degree to those who have believed in her and have stood by her over the years up till now. “I dedicate this honorary degree bestowed upon me today to those that have believed in me over the years, those whom without I would not be here today receiving the award. I continue to give God all the glory for his Grace, favor and love.
“I thank my beautiful mother for her relentless prayers and support. I thank my amazing children, Temidayo and Adekoyejo for their love, patience and understanding. I thank my friends who continually encourage and support me; I thank the various teams I have worked with over the years and those I continue to work with, because ultimately without them, the vision would never be realized.”
Home and abroad, Mo Abudu continues to receive numerous stellar and influential awards for her exemplary industry and philanthropic achievements, among which include the Forbes Award for The First Woman in Africa to own and operate a pan-African TV Channel; The Hollywood Reporter’s listing as one of The 25 Most Powerful Women in Global TV; New African Magazine’s recognition as one of the 100 most influential Africans; Entrepreneur of the Year award given by WomenWerk, an alumni group of the University of Columbia, among others.
