The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on Thursday, August 22, 2024, called for the adoption of the economic model of the late Michael Okpara, the first Republic Minister of Agriculture to promote development and create enough employment opportunities for the jobless youths.
Otti said this while speaking at the 2024 Michael Okpara Leadership Lecture and Award held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The governor, who served as the chief host of the event was represented by Obi Aguocha, a lawmaker representing Ikwuano Umuahia Federal Constituency.
“The model of late Okpara led to the agricultural revolution in the Eastern region with the establishment of palm oil settlements, rubber plantations, shoe industry aside other establishments.
“Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil has plunged it deeper into food insecurity with little or no industry to pride with,” Otti said.
Otti further urged the federal and state governments to engage in economic revolution through massive agriculture and industrialisation which would contribute to foreign exchange earnings.
Also speaking, former Senate President Pius Anyim, described Okpara as a pragmatic and astute leader, whose strategic thinking and action created a future for the people of Eastern Nigeria.
According to Anyim, Okpara’s legendary human capital development, and agricultural and industrial revolution spoke volumes and made the World Bank to recognise the Southeast as one of the growing economies of the world.
