Former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has described prominent professor of political economy, and management expert, Professor Patrick Okedinachi Utomi, better known as Professor Pat Utomi as “one of Nigeria’s most consistent and principled public intellectuals.”
Mr. Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, also said, in an X (formerly Twitter) post that the life of Professor Utomi has been marked “by extraordinary intellect, remarkable courage, and dedicated service to humanity,” stressing that for decades, the voice of the Founder of the Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL)., “has remained clear, courageous, and unyielding in its commitment to truth, justice, and the common good.”
Obi was, in the post, celebrating Professor Utomi, a political activist, good governance advocate, and Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Lagos Business School (LBS), on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
Professor Utomi was born on February 6, 1956, and family, friends, relatives and other associates from far and near have been commemorating the milestone in different parts of the country, including in Enugu, Delta, Lagos and Kaduna States with different activities.
A chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Obi, who said he has had the honor of attending several of the events being held as part of the multi-city celebration, noted that listening to Utomi speak at these events “reminds us that his primary focus has always been the well-being of humanity—rooted firmly in his belief that good governance, guided by moral clarity and competence, can help a nation reach its full potential.”
He pointed out further that: “As a teacher, he has influenced minds across generations; as a moral advocate, he has held power to account; and as a distinguished intellectual and rare polymath, he has connected economics, ethics, faith, and public policy with remarkable depth and elegance.
“Few Nigerians have blended scholarship with civic courage as seamlessly and consistently as he has. In public affairs, he has never been a bystander but has been a tireless advocate for reform, responsibility, and national renewal.
“Beyond his ideas, Prof. Utomi leads by example. His life serves as a standard worthy of emulation for all genuinely committed to pursuing what is good, true, and just. In times when opportunism often overshadows principle, his steadfastness remains both instructive and inspiring.”
Obi finally joined “men and women of goodwill in wishing Prof. Pat Utomi a very happy birthday,” and prayed “that God grants him continued strength, good health, and wisdom so that his voice, ideas, and moral leadership will continue to enrich our national discourse and inspire generations yet to come.”
