Governor Alex Otti has officially launched the endowment fund dedicated to the late Premier of the Old Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Speaking while inaugurating the endowment fund and maiden Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara Lecture Series to mark the 30th Anniversary of the institution, Governor Otti who expressed his admiration for Dr. Michael Okpara’s economic principles, said he has demonstrated same by appointing professionals in his cabinet and various fields.
Governor Otti also expressed his administration’s commitment to supporting the University and addressing its challenges, including the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy for lands acquired by the institution for agricultural purposes to prevent further encroachment.
The Governor who strongly criticized the unauthorized conversion of the Institution and other government-acquired lands for private use said his administration is poised to recover all properties belonging to the State.
In his keynote address centered on the theme: “Our Future in Our Past; Reinventing Dr. Michael Okpara Policy For National Growth”, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, expressed gratitude to the federal government, led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for renaming the institution in honour of the late Premier of the Eastern Region and emphasized that the renaming serves as a reminder to the younger generation of the South East’s illustrious history.
Professor Soludo, who stressed the importance of returning to fundamental societal values for progress, noted that the foundation for the future of the South East lies in revisiting the legacies of visionary leaders like Dr. M.I. Okpara.
The former CBN Governor described the late Dr. Michael Okpara as a policy entrepreneur who recognized the significance of establishing sustainable policies for the South East and Nigeria and lauded his contributions, especially in agriculture and industrial development, which led to the even development of the South Eastern region.
Governor Soludo urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the exceptional leadership qualities of the late Premier by becoming change agents wherever they serve.
In his address, the Minster of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubarkar Kyari represented by Mrs. Falsat Lawal, commended Dr. Michael Okpara’s significant achievements and emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through food production.
The Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, in his. welcome address, underscored the institution’s dedication to promoting self-sufficiency in food and fiber production through education, research, and training.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his support and appealed for land titles for the university.
In a virtual goodwill message,the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, lauded the remarkable achievements of Dr. Micheal Okpara, emphasizing his unparalleled contributions to agriculture, healthcare, and politics.
She highlighted the enduring legacies he left in various spheres and urged political leaders to draw inspiration from Dr. Okpara’s exemplary service to the people centered on dedicated leadership.
The 30th Founder’s Day ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Dr M.I Okpara lecture series with the theme; Leadership, Agriculture And Entrepreneurship: The Dr Micheal Iheonukara Okpara Model For National Growth And Identity, was chaired by Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, also featured a goodwill message from the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide,Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Chief Uzodinma Okpara, son of the late premier of the eastern region
