Reporter – Emeka Chigbu
Narration- Abia state governor Dr Alex Otti has instituted the Micheal okpara annual lecture series. This formed the high point of events at the 30th anniversary ceremonies of the founding of the Micheal Okpara university of Agriculture Umudike also known as MOUAU.
The ceremonies marking the 30th anniversary of the founding of the school held at the main auditorium of the university on Thursday the 31st of August.
Governor Otti said he remains a student of Dr. Michael Okparas’ brand of economics ,which he has demonstrated in the appointment of experts from various fields into his cabinet. He noted that though Michael Okpara was a medical doctor but the elder statesman performed better as an economist.
Earlier at the ceremony governor of Anambra state Prof Chukwuma soludo who was the key note speaker delivered a lecture with the theme
“Our future in our past: reinventing the Micheal Opara policy for National growth and renaissance”.
Prof Chukwuma soludo regretted that Nigeria is a country whose past seems to be more glorious than the present saying that to maintain things inherited from the heroes past is a challenge.
Governor Soludo, who described Dr. Okpara as a policy entrepreneur, nationalist, and humanist with character called on leaders to reinvent his ideals as a guide to a better national economy.
Prof Soludo said the election of Dr Otti as Governor is a great favour for not only Ndi Abia but the entire South East and assured that Abia would see developmental strides under Otti
Representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Mrs. Lawal commended the legacy of late Dr. Michael Okpara. He said that the creation of the University of Agriculture is to work as a catalyst to train students in Agriculture and commended the institution for hitting it’s mark.
The Minister said the Federal Government is committed to growing the economy through food production and called for exploring the country’s comparative and competitive advantage in agriculture to meet the needs of the people.
Speaking earlier Vice Chancellor of the university Professor Maduebibisi Iwe noted that the institution is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the existence of the school and the ideals of Dr. Okpara and his model of entrepreneurship.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala who spoke virtually described Dr. Michael Okpara as an incomparable role model in his accomplishments in agriculture, health, politics and maintained that the elder statesman left legacies in all fronts that all should emulate.
Governor Otti promised to help the university recover it’s landed property and prevent further encroachment into the university perimeter.
Leader of Ohanaeze Idigbo Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu also graced the occasion with a good will message.
Dr Iwuanyanwu described the event as very important, saying that a look at what Dr. Okpara did would tell the people today whether they are doing well or not.