President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has called on political leaders in the South-East to adopt the inclusive and visionary leadership style of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, former Premier of the defunct Eastern Region.
The president made the call on Friday during the inauguration of the newly renovated Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia. Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, Tinubu hailed Okpara as a statesman who understood the power of unity and collaboration in nation-building.
“Dr. Okpara was a visionary who positioned the South-East at the heart of national politics,” Tinubu said. “He played to the centre and created a place for the region in the business of building our country.”
He praised the Abia State Government for transforming the once-abandoned auditorium into a modern edifice, describing the renovation as a fitting tribute to Okpara’s legacy.
“This structure has become a modern landmark that truly honours the memory of a great leader,” he said.
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that the South-East remains a key region in his national development agenda.
“I hold the South-East in high regard, and I have shown it through my inclusive approach to governance — one that focuses on unity, development, and national progress,” he said.
Tinubu added that his visit to Abia, through Senator Umahi, was to commission a range of impactful projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.
“Some of the projects are federal, others are state-led. But whether they are federal or state projects, what truly matters is their impact on the lives of the people,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, noted that the iconic auditorium had been neglected for years until his administration undertook its rehabilitation in late 2023.
“Today, it stands as a sight to behold,” Otti said. “Your Excellency, when you step inside, you will be impressed by the quality of work we’ve done.”
The commissioning ceremony attracted several prominent figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Abia State Deputy Governor, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; and former Deputy Governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu.
NAN
