Dr Saheed Abiodun Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer of Gemstone Autos and Gemstone Homes and Properties, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD) Nigeria. He received this prestigious recognition as a Fellow of the institute.
According to the Institute, Dr. Yusuf was recognized for his continual and selfless contributions to the development and his leadership qualities in both the public and private sectors of the economy.
Receiving the award, the Gemstone boss appreciated the ILAD Board for finding him worthy and recognizing his enormous contributions to the development of his immediate communities.
He said: ‘’I am pleased, honoured, and humbled to accept this award and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected. I extend my very special appreciation to the ILAD Board for selecting me and I give salute to all of this year’s nominees each of whom has made incredible contributions to the development process and shown good leadership in their respective communities. Thank you also to those who nominated me and supported my nomination. And, of course, thank you to my extended family and friends for always supporting me and being there for me, especially my beautiful wife.
Highlighting his life perspective as a leader and entrepreneur, Dr Yusuf reiterated: “Many years ago, when I was in secondary school, I remember so distinctly being in commercial class and learning about public speaking and portraying leadership skills by organizing and making sure my fellow students were being heard and respected. I ended up being an assembly prefect and also the head of the Muslim Student Society (MSS). Ever since then, it has become my passion and favourite thing to learn, teach, direct, coordinate, and make an impact on people around me. And I know for sure now that no one will ever tell me I did not clap well or be happy with everyone around me because I always want a win-win moment for everybody throughout my life.”