The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has conferred an honourary doctorate degree on Chief Bashorun Dele Momodu, a renowned Nigerian Journalist, publisher, businessman, philanthropist and motivational speaker.

He was honoured for his outstanding contributions to national and international public life.

The conferment of the honourary doctorate degree took place in Accra over the weekend, during the Eighth Congregation of the UPSA.

It was under the chairmanship of Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, Chancellor of the UPSA, with President John Dramani Mahama as the guest of honour.

An elated Chief Dele Momodu expressed gratitude to the UPSA Management for the honour done him.

"What you have done here today transcends the conferment of an award on the man Dele Momodu," he stated.

"More significantly, what you have done is in many ways symbolic for your commitment to the pursuit of quality education and advancement of sound knowledge," added.

Chief Dele Momodu said UPSA by selecting him for the honour, had shown that education is a powerful bridge-builder between the town and gown, and that “a universe without our universities is nothing but a wilderness of ignorance”.

He recounted how, exactly 21 years ago, on July 25, 1995, he had to escape military brutality and dictatorship in his native Nigeria; being falsely accused of knowing about a pirate radio station, first known as Freedom Radio and later changed to Radio Kudirat.

He said a careful observation of the trajectory of his exit from Nigeria to exile in Great Britain and his passage through Accra over two decades ago was explainable only by what might be described as the unseen but unmistakable hand of destiny.

"Who would have thought that a journey that began with sadness 21 years ago would today crystallise in this rare moment of honour and victory?”

Chief Dele Momodu lauded President Mahama for the rare leadership, which continues to illuminate the path of many, touching lives, breaking borders, setting new records and charting the course of a new brand of development that is not only exceptional but also visible and tangible.

"Sir, permit me to say, that your calmness, simplicity, humility, passion and devotion to public service continue to demonstrate the stuff that truly great leaders are made of. History will be kind to you," he said.