- Uzodimma urges leaders to emulate Okpara’s selfless service, agriculture, and industrialization to drive Nigeria’s prosperity and good governance
- The governor emphasizes that contemporary leaders must display patriotism and prioritize national development over personal gain
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has urged Nigerian leaders to adopt the leadership model of Michael Okpara, which excelled in selfless service, agriculture, and industrialization. Uzodimma made this statement during the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize awards held in Abuja, where he spoke on “Service Above Self: Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Dr. Michael Okpara.”
During his time, Uzodimma highlighted that Okpara’s leadership was instrumental in making the Eastern Region’s economy the fastest-growing in Africa. He emphasized that if contemporary political leaders could emulate Okpara’s virtues—characterized by selflessness, integrity, vision, and inclusivity—the country would experience greater prosperity and good governance.
The governor, honoured with the Premier’s Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award at the event, urged Nigerians to focus more on selfless service rather than personal gain. He also called for a stronger commitment to national development, stressing that Nigeria’s full potential would be realized through unparalleled patriotism, as demonstrated by the late Premier of the Eastern Region.
Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu also spoke at the event, describing Okpara as his hero due to the significant development he brought to the former Eastern Region. Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, who chaired the occasion, praised the organizers for keeping the late premier’s legacy alive.
The event was well-attended, with notable figures such as Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, former Cross River State Governor Sir Clement Ebri, industrialist Chief Arthur Eze, prominent political figures, and traditional rulers in attendance.