The management of Lekki Gardens Group has announced plans to build a 200-room hostel at the University of Port Harcourt as part of efforts to address the institution’s accommodation deficit.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lekki Gardens Group, Richard Nyong, disclosed this while delivering the keynote lecture at the close-out ceremony, public lecture and book launch held in honour of the university’s ninth Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill.

Speaking on the theme, “Leadership and Giving Back Purposefully: Two Sides of the Same Coin of Impact,” Nyong stressed that true leadership is anchored on selfless service and the willingness to give back to society.

According to him, one of the core principles of leadership is giving back, urging lecturers and teachers to first commit themselves to imparting quality knowledge to their students.

“Leadership is giving yourself in a way that moves people from where they are today to a future that is more desirable,” he said.

He added that meaningful giving back requires individuals to look back at their roots and contribute their resources and expertise to causes that matter to them.

“Whether you want to lead or give back meaningfully, the first thing to do is to give yourself. Everybody can give of themselves,” Nyong stated.

The Lekki Gardens boss, an alumnus of the university, announced that the company would construct and donate a 200-room hostel to the institution as an intervention aimed at improving students’ welfare.

“I graduated from this university. I have been a good friend to the ninth Vice-Chancellor. I want to extend this friendship to the 10th Vice-Chancellor with a 200-room hostel for the students,” he said.

Chairman of the occasion, Biobele Georgewill, commended the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for providing quality leadership throughout his five-year tenure.

In his remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, expressed appreciation to members of staff, the Governing Council, strategic partners and donors for their support, noting that their contributions made his administration a success.

“When I came into this office, all of you promised that I would not walk alone, and five years down the line, you never let me walk alone,” he said.

Georgewill added: “From 2021 to today, 2026, I’m leaving the University of Port Harcourt better than I ever imagined. Our sincere thanks and gratitude go to God Almighty, whose grace, mercies and provisions sustained us throughout the journey.”