Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba of Imo State University has decried the dearth of true leadership in Igboland since the sterling examples from Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Mike Okpara, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Dr. Sam Mbakwe. He made this assertion at the weekend at the annual Odenigbo Lecture, where he spoke on ‘Expectation of Good Leadership’ (Ochichioma, Olileanya Ohanaeze) at the Odenigbo Podium at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri. As customary, the lecture was delivered in Igbo Language.

Prof. Nwajiuba reeled out virtues of good leadership to include humility, prudent management of resources, resourcefulness, genuine commitment to the goods of the people, respect for the led, discernment to recognise and sieve evil from good. He mourned that no Igbo leader showed such laudable leadership qualities since the times of Zik, Okpara, Ojukwu and Mbakwe, until the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, came in and demonstrated, once again, what true leadership should be.

Prof. Nwajiuba said: “Kemgbe 1999 n’ala Igbo anyi nwere ike isi na o bu naani otu onye di ka onye chawaputara achawaputa na ndozi aku na uba oha yabu Maazi Pita Obi, onye nke chiri Steeti Anambra. Otutu ndi mmadu agbaala ama otu O siri jide onwe ya, ka O si ekwu okwu. O na-aga njem, O dighi akpo otutu ndi mmadu aga.... Mgbe O chisiri, e mere ka anyi nu na O hapuru ego gbara okpurukpu nyefee onye nochiri ya.”

This translates thus: “Since 1999, Mr. Peter Obi was the only real leader that came from Igbo land. His governance of Anambra State has continued to receive positive testaments from the people, especially the manner he guided the resources of the State through prudence and his civilised conduct. To crown it all, unlike what is obtainable, he left billions of naira for his successor.”

On education, Prof. Nwajiuba bemoaned the failing standards and commended Anambra State as an exception. Recalling that the state came first in 2013 and 2014 WASSCE and NECO exams, he called on other states to return schools to the missionaries as Obi did and give them grants to rehabilitate the returned schools.

The lecturer said that the unprecedented improvement in the infrastructure in Anambra State under Obi would remain a testimony to his enviable legacy. He pointed out how Anambra under Obi utilised the money she got through the Millennium Development Goals to carry out beneficial and tangible projects which he advised others to understudy and do the same for their states.

Instituted in 1996, the 2014 lecture was the 17th in the series. It started with holy mass presided over by the Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Obinna.

Among the dignitaries at this year’s lecture were Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho; Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Ezeonyia; Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie; and former Gov. of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (represented by his former Commissioner for Housing, Engr. Patrick Obi), among many others.

Awards were given to people that have supported the lecture series over the years.