The Governor of Ebonyi State Engr David Umahi has won award of Excellence in Leadership at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka during the 2021 Zik’s Lecture Series Anniversary Celebration.
This was contained in a statement issued by Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barrister Orji Uchenna Orji.
The Chairman of the Anniversary Celebration, His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha), Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman South East Governors Forum took the audience down the memory lane on how Zik dedicated his virtues and intellects towards building a united and purposeful Nigeria.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, His Excellency, Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe PhD, said that the great Zik represents the symbol of nationalism and his contributions to socio-economic and political development of Nigeria accounts for the reason he is being celebrated by all segments of the society. He said security is central and fundamental to human existence, stating that section 14(2) of the Nigerian constitution explicitly provides that security and welfare of the people is the primary duty of government at all levels. He maintained that security cannot be divorced from socio-economic and political growth and development of Nigeria.
He delivered a lecture on the theme that suits the mood of the nation ‘Security, Governance and Nation Building,’ The Governor of Ekiti State who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum, His Excellency, Dr Kayode Fayemi, CON alluded to Zikism as a principle that will guarantee a prosperous Nigeria.
The resource person noted that the great Zik of Africa championed the course of building a nation where the safety of every citizen is assured and where there would be equal opportunities for all, regardless of the language they speak, the place where they come from and how they worship God.
Governor Fayemi further maintained that ‘the great Zik of Africa envisioned a country that would be “perpetual and indestructible “on account of its ability to remain adaptive and responsive to the shifting challenges and its commitment to meet the aspirations of every generation of Nigerians. According to him, the indestructibility of Nigeria as envisaged by Zik is indeed best assured when the majority of Nigerians are emotionally connected to Nigeria because of what Nigeria is able to do for them. In essence, the legitimacy of the nation- state is not in making demands of patriotism but in the quality of life it provides for its citizens towards building mutual trust and common good’.
The Vice- Chancellor of the University, Prof Charles Esimone FAS, FPSN on his part said ”imbibing Zikism entails that we must distill and disseminate the values and concepts that underpinned his political philosophy”.
On the role of contemporary leaders in nation building, the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Uche Collins Nwogwugwu, said Governor Umahi has distinguished himself for turning around his state in terms of infrastructure- road construction, education, health, agriculture and even workers’ welfare.
Dignitaries that attended the event were -The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Dr Kayode Fayemi.
– The Governor of Ebonyi State His Excellency, Engr David Nweze Umahi, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Barr. Eric Kelechi,
– The Governors of Anambra William Obiano and Enugu State governor represented by his SSG.
– Distinguished Senator Iyom Uche Ekwunife, Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District
-Sen. Ben. Ndi Obi, Ojeligbo- Presidential Adviser on Inter- Party Affairs and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha.
Dominica Nwabufo
