By Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Governors from the South East and South South geo-political zones, as well as notable figures from various sectors, will convene in Abuja on August 22 for the 2024 edition of the Michael Okpara Leadership Lecture.
The event will honour the late Dr. Michael Okpara, the premier of the Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966, known for his visionary leadership and contributions to agriculture and industrial growth.
The governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, will deliver the keynote lecture, entitled: “Contemporary issues on leadership and governance in Nigeria: Lessons from the leadership philosophy of Dr. Michael Okpara.”
Chairman, Okpara Foundation, Uzodinma Okpara, and Publisher, Verbatim Media Group, Tobs Agbaegbu, said the goal of the event is to promote good governance, integrity, and excellence in public service which are core attributes championed by Okpara.
The event, organised by the Michael Okpara Foundation and Verbatim Media Group, will also serve as a platform to raise funds for the Okpara Leadership Institute in Umuahia, Abia State.
It will feature the presentation of the Okpara Leadership Awards, also known as the Premier’s Prize, to distinguished leaders and professionals from the political, business, and philanthropic sectors.
Confirmed attendees include Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, who will serve as chief host; Uzodimma and Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi State. The event will be chaired by Pius Anyim, a former secretary to the government of the federation.
Award recipients span across various sectors, including current and former governors, senators, industry captains, and renowned journalists.
Notable honorees include the governors of Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom states, as well as former Cross River State Governor, Clement Ebiri.
Special invitations have been extended to President Ahmed Tinubu, who will deliver a keynote address, and former president Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience, as special guests.
The organizing committee expressed optimism the event will foster solidarity among the South East and South South regions and reinforce the principles of effective leadership and service delivery inspired by Okpara.