11 April 2025 | Story: Nontobeko Moimane | Photo: Naledi Nkosi.
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Faculty of Management Sciences graduation ceremony became more than just a celebration of academic success. It turned into a profound moment of reflection, thanks to the keynote delivered by Chief Teete OWUSU NORTEY FCILT, FGIPS, known as “Chief Teete”.
Chief Teete, who currently serves as the International President of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International (CILT) is a Fellow of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (FGIPS), brought a wealth of wisdom, experience and inspiration to the ceremony. With more than 30 years of leadership in the global supply chain, logistics and transportation sector, his presence underscored the gravity of the occasion.
In his address, Chief Teete urged graduates to embrace the concept of relevance as they step into the next chapter of their lives. “Be relevant,” he said with conviction. “You came in not graduated, but you are going out graduated.”
He challenged graduates to turn inward and ask themselves some hard hitting questions: “How relevant are you to society? To your parents? To the future? To yourself?” His message was clear. Relevance is not just a buzzword; it is a compass that should guide one’s choices, actions and contributions to the world.
“Whatever you do, ask yourself: is it relevant to me, my peers, my institution and my community? If not, then you are wasting your time,” he warned, striking a chord in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and rapid change.
Chief Teete also encouraged graduates to reflect with gratitude: “This is a time to give account to yourself, to appreciate your parents, thank your lecturers and acknowledge the role VUT has played in your journey.”
Chief Teete Owusu Nortey, a distinguished Ghanaian, made history as the first African to be elected Global President of the CILT since its founding in 1919. He assumed office on 1 January 2024, with his term set to run until 31 December 2025.
With CILT operating in over 100 countries, Chief Teete has played pivotal roles at all levels, from serving as International Vice President responsible for Africa, to chairing the Africa Forum, to acting as Special Advisor to the Global Council of Trustees. He was also the first individual to receive the prestigious PEGASUS AWARD, the Institute’s highest honour, for exceptional service, presented by none other than Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
Outside the logistics space, Chief Teete is a seasoned communications and advertising expert. As CEO of both Logistics Movers Limited and Yetron Services Limited, he has led his companies with integrity and innovation, keeping them relevant and competitive for over two decades.
A man of many parts, Chief Teete is driven by passion, anchored by service and inspired by excellence. His words left a lasting imprint on the graduates of VUT, reminding them that success is not just about achievement, but about relevance in a world that is constantly evolving.
