By Adadareporters
Nigerian leaders should emulate the exemplary leadership qualities of former Governor of Eastern Region, Ezeogo Dr Akanu Ibiam.
Mr Daniel Okwu, founder and executive director, Daniel Okwu Foundation, gave the task in Enugu to mark the posthumous birthday of the late medical and political icon.
Okwu said it was regrettable that materialism, acrimony and win-at-all costs had destroyed the nation’s politics as against the philosophy of Dr Ibiam who used politics to better the lots of the populace.
He said, “I never knew him physically. In 2019, my foundation organised Dr Ibiam’s posthumous birthday. Dr Akanu Ibiam was a complete gentleman. He is a role model, sportsman. He chose to become a missionary doctor to save the generality of our people from the drudgery of superstitious beliefs, killing of twins and ignorance. By so doing, he attracted missionary hospitals to Abiriba and Uburu at that time.
“He was deservedly elected Governor of Eastern Region. He humbled himself and God raised him to the height he became today.”
Okwu said it was a pity that leadership in Nigeria had been reduced to a stool to oppress people, thwart justice and enrich a few.
Sylvester Ossai, a priest, advised Nigerian leaders to seek lasting legacies for posterity.
He said, “What we see today is an undignified manner of power acquisition. Our leaders choose deliberately to be wrong models. They do anything to acquire power, and after the acquisition, they embark on enriching themselves to the detriment of those they impose themselves on.”
Our correspondent reports that Dr Ibiam studied medicine and surgery in Scotland during the colonial era, and returned to work as a missionary doctor in the Eastern Region. He chose to work in rural areas despite having job officers in Europe. He was born on Nov 1906.
