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“He (Gov. Otti) Is the Only Leader Resembling the Man We Are Celebrating Today” — Dr. Emeka Eze Hails Gov. Alex Otti at the 3rd Edition Of The Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series
Prince Dr. Emeka Eze, who represented renowned oil magnate and Chairman of the occasion, Prince Engr. Dr. Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu), has described Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, as a leader whose style and approach to governance resemble those of the late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, the former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region.
Dr. Emeka Eze made the remark on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the 3rd edition of the Michael Okpara Memorial Lecture Series held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, where Governor Otti announced plans to harness the state’s agricultural potential through modern technology, strategic investments and stronger collaboration with research institutions and private-sector stakeholders.
Delivering the message on behalf of Prince Arthur Eze, Dr. Emeka Eze declared, “He is the only leader resembling the man we are celebrating today.“
The statement offered a notable tribute to Governor Otti at an event organised to honour the legacy of a former regional leader widely associated with agricultural development, industrialisation, employment generation and investments in rural communities.
Dr. Emeka Eze’s remarks drew attention to the connection between the development philosophy associated with the late Dr. Okpara and the ongoing efforts of the Abia State Government to reposition the state’s economy through infrastructure development, agricultural reforms and productive investments.
In recalling the legacy of the former Premier, Prince Arthur Eze, through his representative, highlighted how Dr. Okpara transformed the former Eastern Region into an industrial hub, created employment opportunities for young people and pursued his development vision with conviction.
The late Premier was also described as a man of impeccable character who understood that governance should be centred on developing people and creating lasting value for society, rather than merely distributing money.
The tribute placed particular emphasis on the importance of leadership that translates public responsibilities into tangible development outcomes and improves the economic circumstances of citizens.
Governor Otti, who attended the memorial lecture, used the occasion to announce the constitution of a steering committee under his chairmanship to develop a practical framework for harnessing Abia’s comparative advantages in agriculture.
The committee will comprise representatives of the Abia State Government, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PAYAZA Africa Limited and other relevant stakeholders. Its responsibilities will include identifying agricultural commodities in which the state has a comparative advantage and recommending the investments, infrastructure and technological innovations required to develop them into commercially viable enterprises.
A central component of the Governor’s proposal is the planned revival and modernisation of the Ulonna farm settlements, building on the agricultural development legacy associated with Dr. Okpara while incorporating contemporary technologies and modern commercial farming practices.
“I want us to start with Ulonna farm settlements. We may not go back to what Michael Okpara did in his days.
“We want to take it to this level now, where we introduce technology, and we don’t only want to be self-sufficient in food production; we want to be a net exporter of food from Abia State,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor also welcomed a proposal by the guest lecturer, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, to establish an Agricultural Technology Hub at the University, inviting him to participate in the steering committee as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between academic research, technological innovation and agricultural enterprise.
The initiative reflects the administration’s stated ambition to move agriculture beyond subsistence production and develop it into a major driver of industrial growth, job creation, food security and export earnings.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, also underscored the relevance of the late Dr. Okpara’s leadership principles, noting that true leadership must be measured by courage, integrity, sacrifice, unity and tangible contributions to society.
“True leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice, unity, and tangible contributions to society not merely through longevity in office or the positions one occupies,“ Comrade Edeh stated.
The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, called for a transition from celebrating Dr. Okpara’s achievements to translating his ideals into practical solutions to contemporary challenges.
“Our task is to move beyond commemoration to action, translating his ideals into practical solutions that address contemporary challenges,“ Prof. Akanwa said.
The lecture, themed “Leveraging Technology in Agriculture: Building Digital Rails for Food Security, Agro-Enterprise and Financial Inclusion,” examined the opportunities technology presents for improving agricultural productivity, expanding access to finance and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Guest lecturer Seyi Ebenezer encouraged young Nigerians to explore emerging opportunities in drone technology, automated irrigation, artificial intelligence, digital credit assessment, supply-chain logistics and financial technology, arguing that innovation could make agriculture more productive and commercially attractive.
He also commended Governor Otti for his efforts to fix Abia State and change its negative narratives.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Chief Uzodinma Okpara, son of the late Premier, and featured the unveiling of a statue of Dr. Michael Okpara in honour of his enduring contribution to the development of the former Eastern Region.
Dr. Emeka Eze’s tribute to Governor Otti consequently became one of the notable highlights of the memorial lecture, bringing the legacy of the late Premier into the discussion on contemporary leadership, economic development a
nd the future of agriculture in Abia State.