By Daniel Tyokua, Abuja
Critical Nigerian elite have offered wayforward to most of the challenges confronting the country.
The elite who took turn to speak during the maiden centenary celebration of Dr Michael Okpara Leadership awards book presentation and lecture, said leaders at all levels must adopt the model of Okpara and other Nigeria founding fathers.
Obiora Okonkwo, one of the aspirants for the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, in a lecture titled: The quest for a new Nigeria: The Michael Okpara Leadership model, empathised the need for serving leaders to be selfless and fair to their followers.
He said people should learn from Okpara’s life that was full of selfless and integrity.
Okonkwo stated that despite overseeing the establishment of the Government Reserve Areas (GRAs) in every part of Eastern region, Okpara never made any allocation to himself, except the only house built for him in 1979 by friends and associates upon his return from exile.
“Okpara was a most remarkable man and selfless political leader, the likes of which we may never again see in public life in Nigeria.”
For the Governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu who was represented by Ngbeahuru, said the Okpara model should be replicated by all leaders. According to him, the Eastern leader who died in 1984, left imprints that will stand the test of time.
On his part, Senator Bukola Saraki represented by Ladi Hassan, said leaders must always speak for the future and bring the best out of us.
“The needs leaders that can seek solutions to current issues, it must be at all levels,” Saraki said.
However, the minister of science and technology, Dr Ogbonnia Onu said Nigerians must believe in themselves for them to succeed.
He said despite the challenges confronting the country the government was keen on issues that will better the lives of all, especially building of Infrastructure across all regions.
