Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has challenged Nigerian leaders to adopt the Michael Okpara Leadership model, which excelled in selfless service, agriculture, and industrialization, to achieve more prosperity and good governance.
Uzodimma made this submission while speaking at the Michael Okpara Leadership Prize awards in Abuja, where he was also bestowed with the Premier’s Grand Prize, Gold Plaque Category award.
He noted that Okpara’s leadership model, characterized by selfless service, integrity, vision, and inclusivity, brought about rapid growth in the Eastern Region, making its economy the fastest growing in Africa.
Uzodimma urged Nigerians to concentrate on rendering selfless service rather than pursuing personal aggrandizement and called for a greater commitment to the country’s development.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would attain its full potential when citizens display unparalleled patriotism, as demonstrated by Okpara.
Uzodimma commended the organizers for keeping Okpara’s legacies alive but regretted that Okpara has not been properly honored by Nigeria.
Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, described Okpara as his hero due to the monumental development he achieved in the former Eastern Region.
The Chairman of the occasion, former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, praised the organizers for keeping the memory of the late premier alive and eulogized Gov Hope Uzodimma for his thought-provoking lecture.
The ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, traditional rulers, and industrialists, including the governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammwd, and Chief Arthur Eze.
Uzodimma’s lecture, “Service Above Self: Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Dr. Michael Okpara,” highlighted the importance of selfless service and good governance in achieving prosperity.
The Michael Okpara Leadership Prize awards aim to recognize and promote leadership excellence in Nigeria, inspired by the legacies of the late premier.