By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has described former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, as an epitome of good governance and a “living monument of integrity, service, and visionary leadership.”
Uzodimma made the remarks on Thursday at the 15th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Distinguished Lecture Series held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, where he also noted that Nigeria is currently at a pivotal moment in its history under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his address, the governor praised Anyaoku’s legacy of principled leadership and courageous decision-making, drawing parallels with what he described as Tinubu’s bold reform agenda.
“The decisions we make now will determine what kind of country we leave for the next generation. Fortunately, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown the courage to take hard decisions to secure Nigeria’s future,” Uzodimma said.
He stressed that good governance goes beyond transparency and accountability, noting that it also requires the courage to make tough but necessary decisions that shape society’s long-term future.
Uzodimma cited Anyaoku’s tenure as Commonwealth Secretary-General, particularly the 1995 suspension of Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and the execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, as evidence of his commitment to democratic values—even when it meant confronting his own country.
Drawing comparisons, the governor said Tinubu faced a similarly difficult situation upon assuming office, inheriting an economy plagued by dwindling foreign reserves, high inflation, and a costly fuel subsidy regime.
“Tinubu chose structural reforms over cosmetic fixes. He chose to rebuild Nigeria’s foundations rather than postpone the inevitable. That is good governance and the same courage Chief Anyaoku demonstrated throughout his career,” he added.
Uzodimma further claimed that the President’s reforms are beginning to yield positive results, citing improvements in crude oil production, increased FAAC allocations, GDP growth of 4.1 percent, and a downward trend in inflation.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Uzodimma said Imo State has undergone significant transformation over the past six years. He recalled that in 2019, the state faced insecurity, poor infrastructure, unpaid salaries, and economic decline.
“Today, the story has changed. We have constructed over 130 roads, launched the Orashi Power Project, trained 60,000 youths in digital skills, and implemented a minimum wage of ₦104,000,” he said.
He also pointed to improvements in healthcare, education, and business development, noting that Imo has become more attractive to investors and now ranks among states with lower poverty rates.
The governor commended the organisers of the Anyaoku Lecture Series for sustaining the initiative over 15 years and expressed gratitude for hosting the event again in Imo.
In his opening remarks, former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, described the lecture series as a platform for national reflection, urging leaders to embrace sacrifice, courage, and integrity.
“Good governance is not a slogan but the architecture of national progress,” Nwobodo said, while also calling on citizens, the media, and the private sector to actively contribute to nation-building.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the honouree, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it was established to inspire young people and promote national development. He commended Uzodimma’s efforts in infrastructure and governance, encouraging him to continue serving the people.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, emphasised the role of family values in fostering good governance. She argued that responsible citizens are as critical as responsible leaders in nation-building.
“If we get the family right, we are more likely to get governance right. Nations rise not only because of responsible leaders but also because of responsible citizens,” she said.
The event attracted students, government officials, and key stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Osita Izunaso, and other dignitaries.
