Governor Chukwuma Soludo says reinventing Nigeria’s past which had the likes of Dr. Micheal Ọkpara, Eastern Nigeria’s former Premier, and hisc ideals remains the foundation for the country’s future.

Governor Soludo stated this while giving the keynote speech at the maiden edition of Dr. M.I Okpara Memorial Lecture at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

The Governor who asked the institution not to forget the reason the name was given, stressed that the lecture was apt to place a reminder that Nigeria once had a glorious past.

While describing himself as a lifetime apostle of Dr. Ọkpara, Professor Soludo decried Nigeria’s lack of preparations for opportunities and threats of the future, saying that this is why the country appears to be developing backwards.

Prof. Soludo called for a reinvention of the ideals and visions of the leadership of the founding fathers of the country as Africa cannot claim the 21st century without Nigeria, advocating a recourse to the growth trajectories of Dr.Ọkpara as the way to go.

While recalling how Dr. Ọkpara evenly developed the old Eastern region on the tripod of agriculture, industry and commerce, he eulogized him as a nationalist, humanist with character for selfless service as well as a policy entrepreneur who saw government as a public opportunity to ensure sustainable public finance.

 

He added that a nation is unachievable without nationals making a call for replicas in the mold of Dr Okpara in different corners, both in public and private services.

On his part, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, pledged the support of his government to the university and thanked Governor Soludo for his thought provoking keynote address.

 

In their goodwill messages, President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwunayanwu and the Director General, World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iwela described Dr. Ọkpara as a legacy that should be held to.

 

Michael Ọkpara University was established on the 2nd dNovember, 1992 when the Federal Government of Nigeria promulgated the Federal Universities of Agriculture Decree 1992.

The University’s major responsibility was to impart understanding of the processes that govern human experiences that relate to the biophysical, biochemical and socioeconomic components of the environment and how these processes can be harnessed for the production of food and fiber to meet human needs without the degradation of the natural environment.

 

For more details on the event and other government activities, join the programme “Anambra Government House Diary” with Ejike Abana (ABS Government House Correspondent), On ABS 88.5fm, Mondays-Fridays, 6:05 and 5:30pm Daily.

 

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