…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