The second edition of the Dr Michael Okpara lecture series was held today at the Michael University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) Umuahia with the Dr Emeka Wogu, the Chairman, Governing Board South East Development Commission (SEDC) assuring that the commission will adopt the Okpara model of development to enhance the steady growth and development of the South East geopolitical Region.
Wogu, who delivered a lecture at event, said that Okpara viewed agriculture not merely as a traditional occupation but as a modern commercial enterprise that could drive regional industrialization and national prosperity.
It will be recalled that Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara, was the Premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria from 1959 to 1966. The lecture, organized by the Michael Foundation in collaboration with the Michael University of Agriculture Umudike, was held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the auditorium of the university.
The Chairman of the SEDC represented by a renowned academic, Prof Nnamdi Obiareri explained that the former Premier’s approach to governance which he called Okparanomics laid emphasis on food sufficiency, integrated rural development, and industrial growth amongst others.
“This model resonates with today’s concept of sustainable development and agripreneurship-where agriculture is not just for subsistence, but also for enterprise, value addition and market engagement”, he posited.
Wogu, at the forum disclosed that the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC) served as the engine for the execution of the development agenda of this patriotic Nigerian as at that time, adding that it not only provided inputs to farmers, but also served as financed base for agricultural entrepreneurs, instrument for constructing rural roads and facilitator for logistics amongst other platforms.
He said “it is arguable that had his administration lasted longer, the region and perhaps Nigeria as a whole might have ripped the benefits of higher-level needs having been adjudged the fastest growing economy in the world by the World Bank in 1964, faster than China, Singapore and the “Asian Tigers”.
The states under the then Eastern Nigeria, Wogu observed, include: Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu and Bayelsa, regretting that despite the fact he built numerous projects in all these states, many of the projects have been allowed to wither away by successive governments.
He however assured that the SEDC which he is on the driving seat will not only continue the legacy of the renowned action Premier, but will improve on the M.I.Okpara’s development model.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Austin Akobundu representing Abia Central at the Senate, described Michael Okpara as a selfless leader with immeasurable positive impact on humanity, maintaining that the late sage was an irreplaceable colossus with imperishable imprints on the society.
“He was amongst those exceptional leaders James Freeman Clark, the American minister, theologian and author had in mind when he made that famous statement that “a politician thinks of next election while a statesman thinks of the next generation”, Senator declared.
In his address at the occasion, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State noted that Okpara demonstrated the eastern regional potential for a globally competitive agricultural growth, saying that the present administration in Abia State is building on the Okpara’s legacy by revitalizing moribund plantations and estates.
“We’re also developing new farm estates through large scale mechanized agriculture across the LGAs and in various crops/live stocks value chains. This will ensure the recovery and productive utilization of vast hectares of wasting farmlands that hitherto provided safe havens to hoodlums”, Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze announced.
In his comment, the son of the late Premier, Chief Uzodinma Okpara described his father as a selfless leader who ruled the defunct Eastern Region with the fear of God, adding that Okpara took the people’s welfare and wellbeing as a major task.
The event was attended by members of the Senator representing Abia Central in the Senate, Senator Austin Akobundu, academia, traditional rulers and captains of industry across the south East geopolitical zone.
