Otti seeks adoption of Michael Okpara’s economic model

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has called for the adoption of the economic model of the late Chief Michael Okpara, the first Republic Minister of Agriculture, to promote development and create enough employment opportunities for the jobless youth.

Otti made the call at the 2024 Michael Okpara Leadership Lecture and Award held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Thursday.

The governor, who was the chief host, was represented by Mr. Obi Aguocha, a member representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency.

”The module of late Okpara led to an agricultural revolution in the Eastern region with the establishment of palm oil settlements, rubber plantations, and the and the shoe industry, among other establishments.

”Nigeria’s overreliance on oil has plunged it deeper into food insecurity with little or no industry to be proud of,” he said.

Otti urged the federal and state governments to engage in an economic revolution through massive agriculture and industrialisation, which would contribute to foreign exchange earnings.

Also speaking, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim described Okpara as a pragmatic and astute leader whose strategic thinking and action created a future for the people of Eastern Nigeria.

He said that Okpara’s legendary human capital development and agricultural and industrial revolution spoke volumes and made the World Bank recognise the south-east as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

In her goodwill message,former first Lady Patience Jonathan commended the organisers of the programme and urged Nigerians to emulate the leadership qualities of the late Okpara.

She noted that Okpara was not only key to the industrialisation of the then-eastern region but also contributed to its education through the provision of scholarship awards.

Jonathan called on Nigerians, especially the Igbo people, to go back to farming, which was their main source of income.

“People, especially the Igbo people, should imbibe the legacies Okpara left behind and make food available for Nigerians and for exports,” she said.

In his keynote address,Gov. Prince Otu of Cross River described the late Okpara as a hero and an icon of governance who engraved his name in the sands of time.

According to him,Okpara engineered the fastest regional economy in his time from 1959 to 1966 and urged those present to emulate his selfless lifestyle, integrity, and passion for food production.

“Without good governance, no amount of oil can keep Nigeria on the path of progress, and with good governance, Nigeria will be a country to reckon with,” he said.

The guest lecturer and governor of Imo, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, highlighted the stirring qualities and contributions of Okpara.

He described Okpara’s vision and programme for good governance and development as worth emulating.

“Dr. Okpara’s tenure as Premier of Eastern Nigeria from 1959 to 1966 was marked by visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to the welfare of his people.

“His philosophy of service above self wasn’t just a catchy slogan, but a guiding principle that transformed lives and built communities,” Uzodinma said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Cheif Uzodimma Okpara, the convener and son of the late Sege, said the programme is an annual lecture series of his father, who contributed immensely to the growth of the south-east economy in his time.

He said that the foundation was started in 1978 by prominent Igbo people in recognition and honour of the father’s contribution to the region.

He added that the farm settlements and industries established by his late father in various parts of the south-east and south-south can bereplicated in other states of the Federation for economic growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the unveiling of the prototype plan of the Michael Okpara Leadership Institute and the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians.

Some of the awardees include Dame Peace Jonathan, wife of the former president of Nigeria; Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo; Cross River Governor; and Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The programme attracted Nigerian dignitaries and politicians, especially South East and South South governors.