Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has lauded former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as a shining example of good governance, highlighting a shared courage in decision-making with the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Uzodimma made the remarks on Thursday at the 15th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Distinguished Lecture Series, held at Rockview Hotel in Owerri. He described Chief Anyaoku, aged 93, as “a living monument to integrity, service and visionary leadership.”
The Governor framed President Tinubu’s recent reforms as a “pivotal moment” for Nigeria, asserting that the President has demonstrated the necessary fortitude to make difficult choices for the nation’s future.
“The decisions we make now will determine what kind of country we leave to the next generation. Fortunately, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown the courage to make those hard decisions now to secure the future of Nigeria,” Uzodimma stated.
He was emphatic in drawing a comparison between Anyaoku’s principled stance and Tinubu’s approach, noting that both leaders have shown a willingness to prioritise long-term national interests, even when facing unpopularity. He specifically referenced Chief Anyaoku’s decision to oversee the Commonwealth’s suspension of Nigeria in 1995 following the annulment of the 1993 elections and the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“This decision underscored your unwavering commitment to democratic values even when it meant confronting your own country,” Uzodimma told Chief Anyaoku.
The Governor went on to explain that President Tinubu inherited a challenging economic landscape – depleted foreign reserves, high inflation, and a costly fuel subsidy – and has opted for “structural reforms over cosmetic patches.” He pointed to signs of economic stabilisation, increased crude oil production, a tripling of FAAC allocations, and a GDP growth of 4.1% with falling inflation as evidence of the reforms’ success.
Uzodimma also took the opportunity to showcase the progress made in Imo State under his administration, citing over 130 roads constructed, the commissioning of the Orashi Power Project, and a new minimum wage of N104,000. He noted recent data ranking Imo as having the second-lowest poverty rate in the country, behind Lagos.
The lecture series, established 16 years ago by Youth Affairs International, was also addressed by former Anambra State Governor, Chief Jim Nwobodo, who described the forum as “a mirror held up to the nation.” Chief Anyaoku himself commended Governor Uzodimma for hosting the event and praised the ongoing developments in Imo State.
The keynote speaker, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, argued that strong families are the bedrock of good governance.
Gov. Uzodimma Extols Virtures of Emaeka Anyaoku
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has lauded former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as a shining example of good governance, highlighting a shared courage in decision-making with the current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Uzodimma made the remarks on Thursday at the 15th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Distinguished Lecture Series, held at Rockview Hotel in Owerri. He described Chief Anyaoku, aged 93, as “a living monument to integrity, service and visionary leadership.”
The Governor framed President Tinubu’s recent reforms as a “pivotal moment” for Nigeria, asserting that the President has demonstrated the necessary fortitude to make difficult choices for the nation’s future.
“The decisions we make now will determine what kind of country we leave to the next generation. Fortunately, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown the courage to make those hard decisions now to secure the future of Nigeria,” Uzodimma stated.
He was emphatic in drawing a comparison between Anyaoku’s principled stance and Tinubu’s approach, noting that both leaders have shown a willingness to prioritise long-term national interests, even when facing unpopularity. He specifically referenced Chief Anyaoku’s decision to oversee the Commonwealth’s suspension of Nigeria in 1995 following the annulment of the 1993 elections and the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
“This decision underscored your unwavering commitment to democratic values even when it meant confronting your own country,” Uzodimma told Chief Anyaoku.
The Governor went on to explain that President Tinubu inherited a challenging economic landscape – depleted foreign reserves, high inflation, and a costly fuel subsidy – and has opted for “structural reforms over cosmetic patches.” He pointed to signs of economic stabilisation, increased crude oil production, a tripling of FAAC allocations, and a GDP growth of 4.1% with falling inflation as evidence of the reforms’ success.
Uzodimma also took the opportunity to showcase the progress made in Imo State under his administration, citing over 130 roads constructed, the commissioning of the Orashi Power Project, and a new minimum wage of N104,000. He noted recent data ranking Imo as having the second-lowest poverty rate in the country, behind Lagos.
The lecture series, established 16 years ago by Youth Affairs International, was also addressed by former Anambra State Governor, Chief Jim Nwobodo, who described the forum as “a mirror held up to the nation.” Chief Anyaoku himself commended Governor Uzodimma for hosting the event and praised the ongoing developments in Imo State.
The keynote speaker, Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, argued that strong families are the bedrock of good governance.
