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MOUAU LECTURE: SENATOR AKOBUNDU EULOGIES DR M.I. OKPARA FOR HIS “UNDYING LEGACIES”

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…Recalls how the old eastern region became the fastest growing economy in the world under him

The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described late Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, the Premier of defunct Eastern Region as a selfless leader with immeasurable positive impact on humanity.

Speaking as Chairman of the second edition of the Michael Okpara Lecture organized by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), on Friday, Senator Akobundu stated that the late Premier, who was an irreplaceable colossus with imperishable imprints on society, stood up for his people when it mattered most.

He was an icon of agricultural and industrial revolutions whose legacies continue to reverberate around the world even long after he has gone. He was among those exceptional leaders James Freeman Clarke, the American minister, theologian and author, had in mind when he made that famous statement that, “’A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman, of the next generation

 “As we gather here today in honour of this great man who led a life of austerity that his people might flourish in prosperity, let us use this occasion to immerse ourselves once again in his undying legacies.

“I thank the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, the Governing Council, the Senate, Management and staff of this great university for sustaining the legacies of Dr Okpara through the successful operation of the different Faculties in the institution, especially the agriculture and agro-allied Faculties, over the years. Through it, Dr M.I. Okpara’s dream of having a highly skilled labour to work the farms comes true.

“I also thank them for organising this event, which not only serves to celebrate our late Premier but also as an occasion for us all to retreat, reflect, and relaunch.

“The theme chosen for this edition of the lecture cannot be more apt. Agriculture was Nigeria’s economic mainstay, and it remains Nigeria’s surest path back to food security and economic development as proven by Dr Michael Okpara’s policies and actions.

Speaking on the creation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), the senator expressed joy over the crop of Board and Management appointed to run it, saying that

“there is hope for a greater today and a better tomorrow if the Commission leverages on the commitment of current crop of political leaders across the region to pursue an agenda of revamping the Okpara’s policies for legacy continuity.

“Let me also use this opportunity to congratulate the entire university management team on the newly completed modern public lecture theatre due for commissioning today. The university deserves more of such modern facilities and infrastructure to further honour the memory of Dr M.I. Okpara.

“In my capacity as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I shall continue to collaborate with the university, and other germane stakeholders, in her quest for excellence by working to ensure that her due benefits from the federal government and relevant agencies, including support from other related bodies, reach her as and when due. Count me in as one of your reliable partners”.

“The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain!

In his address at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, described late Dr Michael Okpara as an Iroko who worked tirelessly for his people, adding that on resumption office as VC, he saw the need to immortalize the late sage whose name the university bears.

This, he acknowledged will be done every two years.

“In the next two years again, we will gather like this to celebrate our iconic father. It’s not a coincidence that the federal government named the institution after Michael Okpara because his legacies are still visible for all to see”

 Okpara did a lot in agriculture, industry and that the Eastern regional government was adjudged as the fastest growing region in the world because of his achievements that crossed all sectors.

Chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr Emeka Wogu, who was unavoidably absent, delivered the keynote address on the theme of the programme:

“Agripreneur Model for Attainment of National Food Security and Economic Development: The Dr M. I. Okpara Approach in Retrospect – Leveraging the Southeast Development Commission as a Modern Vehicle for Legacy Continuity.”

through his representative.

The event attracted eminent personalities, including the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Agriculture,

Senator Chris Adighije, Chief Uzodinma Okpara who is the Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara Foundation, Comrade Fidelis Chukwunweike Edeh, Pro-Chancellor snd Chairman of the Governing Council of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, captains of industry, traditional rulers, members of the academia, and  politicians of all hues and featured the presentations of awards to the Distinguished Senator by the university community as well as from the Students Union Government (SUG) led by Mr Favour Ikpeama. Another highlight of the occasion was the cutting of cake to celebrate the event

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IKWUANO RALLIES WITH UMUAHIA NORTH & SOUTH TO HONOUR GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI: A CELEBRATION OF GOOD GOVERNANCE AND A CALL FOR UNITY

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The people of Ikwuano Local Government Area, in conjunction with their brothers and sisters in Umuahia North and Umuahia South, are set to host a grand and historic reception this Friday, the 10th of April, 2026, in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti at Umuahia Stadium.

We know that this momentous occasion will not be merely ceremonial, it will be a heartfelt expression of appreciation for a leader whose governance style has attracted widespread acclaim, commendation, and an inspired hope for the people of Abia State. The truth is that Governor Otti’s commitment to transparency, infrastructural development, economic revitalization, and people-oriented policies has redefined leadership and restored confidence in governance across our state.

The planned reception by the three local government areas signifies a demonstration of collective gratitude and solidarity. It depicts a deep recognition of purposeful leadership and a shared resolve to support continuity. Indeed, it promises to be a memorable event, one that will echo in the hearts of people from the State for years to come.

We therefore place this clarion call to all sons and daughters of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South, and indeed all lovers of good governance, to come out en masse to receive and celebrate our amiable and hardworking Governor. We will certainly seize the opportunity this Friday to reaffirm our unwavering support and readiness to commit our time, energy, and resources towards ensuring a seamless and stress-free re-election come 2027.

As true Abians, we must recognize that the emergence of Governor Alex Otti in 2023 was an act of divine mercy upon our State. Therefore, our gratitude this Friday by the people of the three local government will not only be a virtue, it will be a divine responsibility. When God blesses a people with good leadership, acknowledging and supporting such leadership becomes both a moral and civic duty.
Let us, therefore, come to Umuahia Stadium this Friday, 10th of April in unity, joy, and appreciation to the man(His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti) whom God has favoured and shown mercy.

Come one, come all.

Dr. M. O. Ubani, SAN
Ikwuano/Abia’s Son.

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ABIA EASTER EMPOWERMENT: BAR. MONDAY UBANI SAN, HAILS OSINACHI NWAKA’S INTERVENTION AS MODEL OF PEOPLE-CENTERED LEADERSHIP

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In continuation of the people-oriented governance agenda of the administration of Governor Alex Otti, residents of Nde-Ibere and neighbouring communities witnessed a significant Easter empowerment programme aimed at strengthening grassroots livelihoods and boosting small-scale enterprises.

The empowerment initiative, facilitated by Hon. Osinachi Nwaka, featured the distribution of essential business support items including motorcycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, and other tools designed to enhance economic activities among youths, women, and artisans across the benefiting communities.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Nwaka reiterated that the programme was in line with the development vision of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti, stressing that the intervention was intended to reduce economic hardship, promote self-reliance, and support sustainable livelihood development at the community level.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful, especially in the face of prevailing economic challenges. They pledged to utilize the items effectively to improve their businesses and support their families.

Community leaders also lauded the initiative, noting that it reflected responsive leadership and a growing culture of inclusive governance at the grassroots level.

Also present at the event was respected legal practitioner, Bar. Monday Ubani, who commended the empowerment programme, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership that translates governance into tangible impact for the people.

Bar. Ubani stated that true governance is measured not by promises but by visible improvements in the lives of citizens, adding that the developmental direction of Governor Alex Otti’s administration is already producing measurable results across communities in Abia State.

He further noted that the initiative reflects a strong synergy between government policy direction and grassroots-driven interventions, emphasizing that such programmes help reduce poverty, encourage entrepreneurship, and restore public confidence in leadership.

The legal practitioner particularly applauded Hon. Nwaka for complementing government efforts through consistent community engagement, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and worthy of emulation by other public office holders.

The Easter empowerment exercise is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to translate government development policies into direct benefits for citizens at the grassroots level.

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BARR. UBANI COMMENDS OTTI’S EDUCATION REFORMS, CALLS FOR CONTINUITY

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At the 30th to 32nd combined convocation ceremony of Abia State University Uturu, a Council Member, Barr. Monday Ubani SAN, was in attendance.

Speaking in an interview, Ubani commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for his administration’s educational initiatives, particularly the automatic scholarship scheme awarded to first-class graduates of the university from the last three convocation sets. The scholarships, he noted, are designed to support beneficiaries from master’s degree level through to doctoral (PhD) studies in Nigerian universities. He also applauded the various infrastructural projects in the institution commissioned by the Governor.

Ubani described the Governor’s performance as commendable, stating that his administration has made significant strides in repositioning Abia State. He therefore called for continuity in governance, emphasizing that the Governor should be given the opportunity to complete a second term in office to consolidate on the progress already made.

In a related development, Ubani, alongside other senior legal practitioners, visited Amadeus University to assess ongoing developments at the institution. He expressed satisfaction with the rapid growth of the university, describing it as one of the fastest-growing institutions in the South-East region.

He further expressed optimism that all academic programmes in the university would soon receive full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and the Council of Legal Education, particularly its law programme.

“It is our prayer that this fast-growing university will secure full accreditation for all its courses. We believe that these achievements reflect the grace of God at work in Ikwuano Local Government Area and Abia State in general,” Ubani stated.

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