The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has commended late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara for his leadership style as Premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, stating that he established industries and was able to execute development-oriented economic policies.
Dr Ogah, who was honoured with the Award of Excellence in Public Service, Business Development and Philanthropy, gave the eulogy at the Centenary Celebration, and Leadership Awards, Book Presentation and Lecture held in honour of the 100 Years posthumous birthday of the premier on Thursday, in Abuja.
A statement from the ministry signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Etore Thomas made available to our correspondent said: “The Minister, who stated that Dr. Okpara’s leadership style, was exemplary, enjoined leaders to reflect soberly and emulate Okpara’s leadership model for the economic growth of the country.”
Ogah said if modern-day leaders emulate Okpara’s selfless leadership style of creating industries and building agricultural centres for food revolution, the current security challenges would be addressed. According to him, “if people are working and busy, they will not have time for crime”.
He commended the Advisory Board of Michael Okpara Foundation, Abia State Government and Verbatim Magazine for finding him worthy of the honour at the Centenary Celebration of a man, whom as a young man growing up, he said, challenged him by the humongous and verifiable milestones he achieved.
In his remarks, Governor of Abia State, Dr Ikpeazu Okezie who was represented by Hon. Prince K. O Mgbeahuru reiterated the leadership style of the late Premier, describing it as the “highest economy style anybody can talk about”. He pledged his support to the organizers of the program and tasked them to ensure they continue the yearly celebration of the late leader.
Earlier, in his address, Minister of Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, while recounting the long relationship with Dr. Okpara, stated that he was not only a man of vision dedicated to the service, welfare and wellbeing of his people but invested greatly in the development of human capital for value addition.
Speaking further, Dr. Onu disclosed that following such footsteps of selfless service by leaders would help create jobs, wealth for individuals as well as the nation and thereby make Nigeria that great nation of everybody’s dream. Adding that heroes should be celebrated so that the younger generation would know the country had great and selfless men who worked to build the nation.
