Scholars, politicians and activists would x-ray the Nigerian State at a Colloquium on The Developmental State, Politics, Politicians and Progress in Lagos on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, as part of activities to mark the 60^th birthday anniversary of Prof. Pat Utomi, who turns 60 years on February 6. The venue is the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The high-level colloquium will examine why politicians have not led Nigeria to the promise of the founding fathers. According to Prof. Utomi, it is a discussion no one who cares about the future of the nation should miss. Speakers at the colloquium include Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Mr. Femi Falana. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Guest of Honour at the event that promises to throw light on why positive leadership eluded Nigeria in her development and the way forward in nation building

In a congratulatory message, The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, mni, described Prof. Utomi as the face of competence and creativity in Nigeria and clearly among the top-of-the-range of his generation.

The Sultan added that Prof. Utomi is an advocate for good governance. He commended his courage and foray into politics and asserted: “He may not have won, but his presence in the political arena not only raised the stakes and added value to politics but, more importantly, it sent a clear message that politics is a serious business.”

•Photo shows Prof. Pat Utomi.