Though late Dr Okpara built lasting legacies and public wealth, he died without building a befitting house/home of his own.

It was another galore of glowing tributes to the late premier of the defunct eastern region Dr Michael Iheonukara Okpara by many Nigerians at the third Dr Michael Okpara Iheonukara Okpara Lecture introduced by the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike ( MOUAU ) Abia State in honour of the late premier.

Late Dr Okpara who was born on 25th December 1920 and served as the region’s premier from 1959 to 1966, died 42 years ago on 17 December, 1984 at the age of 64 years.

Thousands of Nigerians from various walks of life assembled at the University new Lecture theater on Thursday, 15th October, 2026, for this Lecture titled “Leveraging Technology in Agriculture: Building Digital Rails for Food Security, Agro Enterprise and Financial Inclusion,” which was delivered by Mr Seyi Ebenezer, the Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Payaza Africa Limited.

The forum recollected late Dr Okpara’s lasting legacies in office which positively impacted massive developments, agriculture, food production/ availability, export, industrialization , employment, transparent government among others, including recommendations on how to revive these (achievements ) 42 years after his death by the South East states governors.

The Chairman at the event and renowned Businessman, Engineer Prince Arthur Eze of Oranto Petroleum, who was represented by Dr Emeka Eze, Pro- Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra state , announced a 200 million naira support to the university, and corroborated with others that though late Dr Okpara built lasting legacies and public wealth, he did not build personal fortune, and even died without building a befitting house/home of his own.

Prince Eze therefore tasked and challenged Nigerian leaders to embrace Okpara’s philosophy that governments should create wealth , improve citizens’ welfare against using the government platform for enriching themselves.

According to him, late premier Okpara exemplified integrity and responsible leadership, recalling that he transformed the Eastern Region through agriculture and grew the region as the fastest growing economy in the world at that time

He listed farm settlements, industries, free education and scholarships, citing the farm settlements in Ohaji, Igbariam, Ulonna and Obubra as some the specific things he established.

Among those that also eulogized the late Okpara were the Abia State governor Dr Alex Otti, MOUAU Pro-Chancellor/Governing Council Chairman ( PC) , Comrade Fidelis Edeh, the Vice Chancellor ( VC ) Professor Ngozi Ursla Akanwa, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Root Crops Research Institute ( NRCRI ) Umudike, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, including late premier Okpara’s son, Chief Uzodinma Okpara who were all in attendance.

All corroborated that the late premier ably and successfully managed the resources of the defunct eastern region and made it as the then fastest growing economy in the world, lamenting that none of the governors of the states that were created from the defunct region successfully managed what he ( Okpara) bequetted.

They consequently called for the needfuls to be done to revive/resurrect the late Okpara’ vision, opining that this would be facilitated by the use or application of emerging technology, and the spirit of doing so.

The MOUAU Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, who said that true leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice, unity, and tangible contributions to society as late Okpara did – and not merely through longevity in office or the positions one occupies,”.

He opined that if the late Dr. Okpara were alive, he would remind Nigerian leaders that true leadership is demonstrated through courage, integrity, sacrifice and service, and applauded the Abia State governor Dr Alex Otti for his laudable performance, adding that his retaining his membership of the political party that brought him to power, has proven that good governance is possible.

The PC ( Comrade Fidelis Edeh) , described Okpara as a great sage whose agricultural revolution remained outstanding and unparalleled, urging contemporary leaders to draw lessons from the late Premier’s vision, commitment to development and determination to harness agriculture for economic transformation.

The VC, professor Akanwa, who in her address stated that MOUAU’s priorities align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Otti’s agricultural reforms, particularly in food security, commercial farming, improved productivity and sustainable value chain.

Stating that technology should be the key to revolutionizing agriculture and attaining food security as late Dr Okpara did, VC Akanwa posited that Nigeria has to leverage digital technologies that would improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen agricultural value chain, thus outgrowing traditional farming methods.

She ( VC Akanwa) therefore called for increased investment in agricultural technology, research and innovation to address food insecurity, boost agribusiness and drive Nigeria’s economic development, stating that the late Dr Okpara’s, achievements on ground were demonstrations of how strategic investments in agriculture, education, research and rural infrastructure could drive economic prosperity, industrial growth and employment.

The VC applauded governor Otti’s for in many ways supporting the university’s development and face-lifting, including mounting Dr Okpara’s Stature at the main Entrance, noting that MOUAU shares the same name with the late premier.

Taking the challenge that her led MOUAU can and will translate Okpara’s legacy into tangible results through relevant research, quality graduates and practical solutions to agricultural challenges, the VC said “Our task is to move beyond commemoration to action, emphasizing the need to ensure that technological innovation delivers food security, stronger agribusiness and sustainable livelihoods.

She revealed that MOUAU is already positioning towards becoming the leading South East agricultural hub through improved infrastructure, functional laboratories, digital facilities and entrepreneurial training, citing the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research commercialisation, technology transfer and partnerships with government, industry and farming communities, citing artificial intelligence, precision farming, biotechnology, improved crop varieties, smart irrigation, satellite monitoring and digital agricultural markets as tools capable of transforming the agricultural sector.

Governor Otti in his address titled ” The Immortality of Good Works” said ” We are not a failure, but we have not done well, and must accept it. This is therefore a wake-up call for us to start doing well, because we can do well,”

Promising support for MOUAU infrastructure and development, governor Otti urged stakeholders to harness research and technology that would free Abia’s agricultural potential, stressing the need for using technology to improve productivity and make farming lucrative.

The governor therefore told VC Akanwa to let him ( Otti ) know what his administration can do to upgrade the university, informing that Abia State under his leadership, plans to establish technology-driven farm settlements towards making Abia state, self-sufficient in food production and transforming the state into a net exporter of agricultural produce.

In this regard, Otti announced constitution of a working group comprising government officials, MOUAU representatives and agricultural experts to articulate the state’s comparative advantages and develop an implementation plan, with himself, as the team leader and facilitator.

He also directed the VC to nominate up to two experts to join the team pledging to fund this Initiative, expressing high optimism of the Initiative producing targeted/desired results from within one year.

“I want us to start with a farm settlement. 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 for Abia State,” he said.

Specifically , he identified palm produce, cocoa, avocado and cashew as potential areas of investment, underscoring the need to advance to commercial agriculture, processing and exports from the subsistence. scenario.

An agriculture research expert and Executive Director/ Chief Executive Officer, of the federal government owned National Root Crops Research Institute ( NRCRI ) , Umudike , Abia state, Professor Chiedozie Egesi hammered on use /application of the relevant technologies to enhance farming to achieve the quest for food security.

Calling therefore for adoption of technology-driven agriculture to increase farmers’ earnings, reduce losses and stimulate industrialization, the internationally acclaimed agriculture research expert ( Prof Egesi ) reported that his led NRCRI was already deploying conventional breeding and modern genomic techniques to develop higher-yielding, disease-resistant, climate-resilient and nutritious varieties of cassava, yam, sweet potato and other root and tuber crops.

According to him, efforts should be geared towards improving farmers’ access to quality planting materials through decentralised seed multiplication systems.

He defined Technology as “anything that enables a farmer to produce more, to lose less, to earn more and to manage his risk better,” even as he also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutes, businesses and governments to translate research into commercially viable innovations.

He further stated ” Nigeria must move beyond exporting raw produce to processing crops into food products, livestock feed, starch and other industrial raw materials”.

Expressing elation by the eulogies showered on his late father, through the lectures put in place by the University named after his father, Okpara’s son Chief Uzodinma Okpara, urged that the country returns to what his late father called Green Revolution

Specifically , he urged the Igbo nation to deploy modern technology to achieve food security, boost agricultural productivity and create wealth, holding that his father’s agricultural vision could be sustained through smarter production methods, value addition and improved market access.

“It will not simply be about growing more. It will be about growing more in a smarter way, adding value, connecting to markets, and turning science into prosperity,” he said.

To VC Akanwa and her university team, the late premier’s son ( Uzodinma ) lauded them for sustaining the university’s agricultural mandate, rationalizing that MOUAU farm experiments and departmental researches reflected its commitment to practical agriculture.

In his lecture, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, urged leaders to emulate the ideas of the late Dr Okpara, asserting that Africa has all it takes to develop itself without depending on external help.

Arguing also that technology should not replace farmers or the soil, but empower farmers to improve the quality, productivity and market value of their produce, Lecturer Ebenezer applauded Governor Otti for ably governing Abia State and changing its negative narratives.

To young people , he particularly tasked they rethink agriculture by embracing technology, digital innovation and modern business models rather than viewing farming solely through the traditional lens of land cultivation.

He also tasked students and aspiring entrepreneurs on exploring opportunities in drone technology, automated irrigation, artificial intelligence, algorithmic credit scoring, supply-chain logistics and cross-border financing to make agriculture more productive and profitable.

The event which was concluded with the unveiling of a statue of late Dr. Michael Okpara stationed at the university Gate and said to be facilitated by governor Otti.

In its bid to ease public transportation with Electric Buses at affordable fares, the Abia state government has taken delivery of 20 more buses out of the about 100 it planed to procure to enable it operate statewide , and even beyond.

The state Governor who announced this Thursday night during his July monthly interaction with Journalists in Umuahia, the state capital, said that these latest delivery of the 20 electric buses, would be deployed to operate more routes across the state at subsidized tariffs/fares.

The Buses had commenced operation in some routes since 2026 at fares about 60% less the fares charged by commercial vehicles.

But to qualify to board the Buses , the members of public are to fulfill some pre-conditions that include registration as gover statutory Levy Payers.

The governor listed some tentative new routes the new Buses will be deployed to as ; Umuahia – Bende – Arochukwu, Umuahia – Uturu (the state University town ), Umuahia – Umudike – Ikwuano, Aba-Owerri ( in Imo state), and Aba to Ukwa among others.

The governor said that surveillance systems have been installed in the buses to monitor drivers and improve accountability, reporting that one Bus Pilot and his Co- Pilot who were found to have engaged in some illegal activities were disengaged from service hence, he warned others against indulging in similar tempting activities.

On the building of the Aba Bus Terminal similar to the one at Umuahia, which was named Nnenna Oti , the immediate former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo state, governor Otti told the journalists that the ongoing work was progressing steadily and that the first phase of the modelling of the Aba Ekeoha Market will be completed and commissioned soon. E

As Abia State Judiciary Workers subsist their Strike action that commenced on 15th March, 2026, the state government has vowed to pay their salary within 48 hours of their providing the government with evidence that their paid salaries which were paid , based on Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure ( CONJUSS ) excluded their Leave Bonuses, also known as Leave Allowance.

The workers under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria ( JUSUN ) claimed being owed Leave Allowance, and in protest, proceeded on indefinite Strike since 15 March, 2026, even against the Government stated directive to them on 13th March ( two days before the 15th March ) to provide this evidence of non payment of this Leave Allowance or Leave Bonus.

The state Attorney General/Justice Commissioner ( HAG ) Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, a senior advocate of Nigeria ( SAN ) , who addressed journalists on the matter Thursday evening at Government House Umuahia, recalled that the state judiciary Workers were so directed to provide this evidence on 13 th March, but that instead of complying, they, on 15th March ( two days after the 13th March ), embarked on the strike that subsists till date.

The HAG spoke to the journalists in the presence of the state Commissioners for Information Prince Okey Kanu, Labour & Productivity Mr Kingsley Nwokocha, State
Accountant General (AG ) Deaconess Uju Onyemanam, and Senior Special Assistant on Labour Relations to the state governor, Comrade Godson Anucha.

HAG Uwanna disclosed that when the government, received the striking Judiciary Workers request for the Leave Allowance payment, it was discovered through the Office of the Accountant General ( AG) that part of the components of the Consolidated Salary being paid to judiciary workers, has what is called Leave Bonus, which is also the same thing as the Leave Allowance the Union requested for.

“So we asked the judiciary Workers to provide us with evidence that there is no component of leave bonus in their salary.

” The Office of the Accountant General then requested for the details and how they ( Workers ) arrived at the leave allowance, and for them to confirm that they have not earned Leave Bonuses before now, but they have not provided such details till date”.

“So we asked the judiciary to provide us with evidence that there is no component of leave bonus in their salary, because the Office of the state Accountant General, does not have information with regards to what the details of their salary are hence, their salary is handled by the Judiciary arm of Government that JUSUN belongs to.

HAG further disclosed that what government received from the workers on the 13th of March was a notice that the government should either pay them or they will proceed on industrial action by midnight on the 15th of March,”.

The HAG further explained that the Consolidated Salary contains everything emolument of the worker, adding that the JUSUN was requested to provide evidence that its salary does not contain “Leave Bonus”, and assured them that once the Union makes available the document and government confirms it to be true, they (Judiciary Workers ) would be paid within 48 hours.

HAG argued , Consolidated Salary is called Consolidated because everything is consolidated into one and paid in different installments.

“Sometimes we also look at what happens in other states. Our finding is that the Federal government does not pay for leave allowance to JUSUN members in the nation.

“Just like federal government does not pay leave allowance to, for instance, medical doctors or health workers in the federal civil service because of the Consolidated Scheme.

“The state government will pay within 48 hours if it realises that there is no leave allowance or leave bonus as a component of their consolidated salary,” HAG Uwanna maintained.

HAG also addressed the issue of Verification of the Judiciary staff, reporting that the efforts to get them verified have continuously been frustrated by of the state JUSUN, and that their refusal to submit themselves to staff verification, accounts for non payment of Pensions to the staff of the Judiciary prior to their retirement.

HAG recalled ” His Excellency, governor Alex Otti, after he was sworn into office in 2023, commenced a verification exercise for all civil servants.

“And in view of the fact that we understand that the judiciary is independent, the judiciary staff were not verified when every other staff outside the Judiciary, was verified.

“We then engaged the judiciary for the purpose of getting a consultant that will conduct a verification exercise for the judiciary.

“Indeed, on the 15th March, the same day that they went on strike, was the day that was finally slated for the commencement of the verification exercise.

“One therefore wonders, if this was this a coincidence or a well-orchestrated scheme to continue to earn salaries by ghost workers and persons who have questionable credentials?

“JUSUN is aware that His Excellency, governor Otti, is one who is always ready and able to pay workers their entitlements, and he has made that claim by paying every other civil servant,”

HAG consequently lamented that the alleged Judiciary Workers refusal to be verified has affected payment of pensioners who retired from the Judiciary. Hence he called on
the JUSUN leaders to call off the strike to enable the pensioners of Judiciary extraction get verified and begin to receive their pension.

“JUSUN should allow the Judiciary to verify its staff so that those pensioners can be paid. We have had a lot of engagement which time will fail me to explain the process that we have gone through to ensure that there’s proper verification, so that they can come into a system.

“They’re not going to come into executive system. They are going to come into their own electronic platform.

“I would therefore implore them, once again, not to continue to suffer these pensioners. We are all citizens of this state, and the pensioners are entitled to their payment.

“So let them call off the strike, so that this verification exercise can be done, and these pensioners can start earning what is due them” HAG Uwanna re- emphasized

Speaking , the state Accountant General ( Deaconess Njum Onyemanam ) reassured the state government commitment to effecting payments of staff and pensioners on or before the 28th of every month and stressed the need for the Judiciary to submit its documents to enable the release of the funds accordingly.

“The only question that we are asking the judiciary staff today is to provide verifiable proof that they have earned leave allowances that were not paid them over the period.

According to her ( Accountant General ), ” for the judiciary, they need to provide and submit their documentation, and go through the payment process to be able to get their lump sum.

“The Accountant General does not handle the Payroll of the judiciary. The judiciary handles its Payroll. And when they come up to make their demands, raise their payment vouchers, and their payment vouchers go through the process of payment, that is the only time the Accountant General has the legal right to make that pay,” AG Onyemanam explained.

Recently, the Secretary to the state JUSUN, Pastor Chibueze Nwachukwu told The Guardian that beside demanding payment for their Leave allowance, they are demanding full implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary full harmonization of the judiciary workers’ basic salary structure with that of other public servants in the state.

Stressing the importance of harmonizing judiciary workers salary with those of others in the state public service, the state JUSUN Secretary ( Pastor Nwachukwu ), argued that most government workers benefits and allowances are calculated based on workers’ basic salaries hence they ought to be the same/ uniform.

He however clarified that their outstanding leave allowances were not solely incurred under the current Governor Alex Otti, administration who assumed office in 2023, but dates back to the administrations of former governors Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu.

REPORTED BY GORDI UDEAJAH