Governor Peter Mbah Achievements Echo at UNN Ethical Leadership and Development Lecture, Friday

     BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU

.

Leadership involves influencing and guiding a group toward a common goal, encompassing various skills like communication, decision-making, and motivating others.

.

It is against the aforementioned backdrop that largely informed the decision of this reporter to quickly accept the invitation extended to him by Professor Casimir Ani and the University Management  for media coverage of the Groundbreaking public lecture entitled: “Ethical Leadership and Development”, held last Friday at the Nsukka campus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

.

Arguably, the Guest Lecturer, Engr. Jude Chinedu Asogwa(KSJI) the Executive Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State is one of the most celebrated local government chairmen in the state apparently due to his effective leadership.

.

The Mayor of Nsukka Municipal Council has continued to develop a clear vision, building relationships, and fostering a positive and productive environment, a development that pulsed the heartbeat of Nsukka during his marathon lecture at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, UNN as many eminent personalities in Enugu North Senatorial Zone and beyond left their other engagements to be in attendance.

.

Among the dignitaries were representative of Governor Peter Mbah in the person of the State Commissioner for Environment, Samuel Ugwu, Commissioner for Labour and Empowerment, Chika Ugwoke,  HRM Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Ogadagidi 1 of Edem Ani Ogugu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Tony Ndidiamaka Ezima Eziani 1 of Eziani Kingdom, Representatives of Catholic and Anglican Bishops of Nsukka Diocese, Chairmen of Udenu and Igboeze North local government areas, Zonal Women Leader, Ngozi Ezeja.

.

The colourful event was organised by the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam in collaboration with “The Ethics, AI and Higher Education Strategy Team (EAISTRAP), UNN”.

.

Acting VC, Professor Ujam, who is fast assuming the aura of an ethical leader, has succeeded in giving a peaceful stability and sense of belonging to all members of the cultural community that make this great citadel of learning. Evidence of this was not only the huge turnout of the University community, but also the Yoruba community also gave a goodwill message to celebrate the groundbreaking lecture by EAISTRAP, encouraged by Professor Ujam’s ethical leadership.

.

Speaking at the occasion, representative of Governor Peter Mbah, who is the Commissioner for Environment, Samuel Ugwu commended the organisers of the event, saying that it is apt and timely.

.

“Before his election, his Excellency.Governor Peter Mbah, has already made his manifesto known to the people and he promised to have a new idea of governance and this new idea is disruptive innovation”, he said.

.

He also spoke on merits and demerits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) pointing out that the present administration is embracing AI with a view to enhancing productivity, stressing that the government is leveraging ICT for transparency and service innovation.He said that the University of Nigeria,being always in the front of innovation,has caught up with the UNESCO ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence by the EAISTRAP establishment of An Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Institute in the University while mobilizing partners for the project.

.

In a remark, Professor Oguejiofo Ujam, the Acting Vice-Chancelor of University of Nigeria Nsukka said that the event was apt as it centered on ethics and values that defines good leadership globally.He said that Governor Ndubuisi Mbah disruptive governance approach is an ethical vision that will upgrade Enugu state as the new Eldorado state in Nigeria.

.

“The university will continue to support ethical leadership that has service to humanity, accountability and transparency as it’s trademark.

.

“UNN as a premier university is not only concerned about academic excellence but also ethics and values that shaped good leaders who can steward our nation, states, local government and communities,” he said.

.

The VC who was  represented by Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo, the Deputy Vice-Chancelor Administration commended Gov Peter Mbah for the massive infrastructures of his administration in Enugu State especially the dualization of Nike/ Opi Nsukka road which he described as a legacy project. Ujam also commended Engineer Jude Asogwa for the topic of the lecture which he described as topical and apt.He said that what the Governor is doing in Enugu State needs replication at the local government levels so that Mbah’s model becomes sustainable.

.

He expressed appreciation to Prof Ani and his EAISTRAP  team for their commitment and dedication to ensure that the event was a reality as well as successful.

.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Team Leader/Chairman of EAISTRAP, Professor Casimir Ani, said the lecturer, Engr. Asogwa as an apostle of the Dr Mbah’s Tomorrow is here philosophy, dwelt with interpretative details into how his grassroots governance of the local government affairs successfully derived from his strict emulation of the pillars of transparency, people engagement, accountability, disruptive innovation and infrastructural renewal, basic features of Governor Mbah’s successful and prudent  management of the state resources.

.

Ani recalled how he was overwhelmed by the warm  reception accorded him on the day he led his team – EAISTRAP to the Nsukka local boss office to intimate him on the need to have today’s event, saying it was amazing to them.

.

Professor Ani who was the immediate past  Director of Strategic Contacts, Ethics and Publications (STRACEP) said he served the University to ensure character building and integrity by giving the University its first ethical policy, ethical clearance for Research and organized every semester an ethical orientation programs to ensure that both staff and students behave right and become partners daily in the search for human dignity.

.

He said that he is trying to partner with the academic tower and the Town’s Gown to ensure that there is a sustainable partnership to sustain the glory and high public perception of the University as the number one tertiary institution where things are done rightly.

.

According to him, the future of Nigeria sustainable development lies in inculcating ethical leadership and good management of resources in our leaders, including the leaders of tomorrow and the older generation.

.

He thanked the Vice Chancellor ,Professor Ujam, for being a father in giving approvals to EAISTRAP vision to embed the core values of ethical leadership in managing Artificial intelligence, in giving quality assurance to educational processes and increasing the capacity of Nigerian leaders and followers for ethical leadership.

.

Both Dean of Faculty of the Social Sciences, UNN, Professor Thaddeus Nzeadibe and the Chairman of the occasion, Professor D.N. Eze agreed that the future of Nigeria sustainable development lies in inculcating ethical leadership and good management of resources in our leaders, including the leaders of tomorrow and the older generation.Professor Nzeadibe,who was part of the courtesy call,said that the Faculty of the Social Sciences remains the most populated Faculty in the country and stores a special catchment of innovative and ethical leaders with ideas on how to move Nigeria forward,He said that he gave support to EAISTRAP but today the project is benefiting all members of the University community.

.

Presenting his 34 page lecture entitled: “Ethical Leadership  And Grassroots Good Governance: Downloading  His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah’s Tomorrow Is Here Philosophy Of Governance”, Hon. Asogwa said that accountability is a critical aspect of ethical leadership that must be embedded in both leaders and citizens.

.

Asogwa said, “it is not enough for leaders to act with integrity; citizens must also hold them to high standards, ensuring that unethical practices are challenged and corrected. In view of that, local and officials should implement community-based monitoring systems where citizens can report any form of corruption, mismanagement, or failure to deliver essential services. This would create a transparent environment where both leaders and followers are responsible for the well-being of the community.”

.

The Guest Lecturer further stated, “Ultimately, Nsukka can become a model of prosperity, peace and progress if both ethical leadership and active citizen participation are prioritised. By embedding ethics in every layer of governance and civic life, the local government can create a community where growth is not only about economic advancement but also about fostering a society rooted in justice, transparency, and mutual respect.”

.

He noted, “Our discussion so far indicate that ethical leadership is not merely a desirable trait; it is the foundational pillar upon which meaningful and sustainable development must be established in Nsukka Local Government Area.

.

“That foundational pillar has been laid open as an open book for sustainable development in the Tomorrow is here philosophy by His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah the Apostle of Tomorrow is here; the sustainable drive and pilot of Tomorrow is here. The professional practitioner of better today and a more joyous future for Enugu State.

.

The Local Government Boss also opined, “For any community to thrive, especially at the grassroots level, it is concluded that ethical leadership must play a pivotal role in shaping both the quality of governance and the well-being of its citizens. Without ethical leadership, the prospects for a genuine development are dim, as it is through honesty, service and accountability that trust is built between the people and their leaders.”

.

One of the interesting striking features observed by this reporter was that the traditional rulers and opinion leaders were not left out in the event.

.

In a goodwill message, HRM Igwe Asadu who is also a member of Board of Trustees for Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) Nigeria Chapter extended his heartfelt commendation to the organisers of the event.

.

Igwe Ogadagidi of Edem-Ani Ogwuogwu Ancient Kingdom noted the event, “Ethics, AI, and Strategy Lecture Series”, is a platform that brings together great minds and individuals to discuss pressing issues that affect us all.” Igwe Ogadagidi said that governments,the private sector and civil society must support the Ethics of AI Institute and ethical leadership projects for our country to work. He said that Governor Mbah is working because His Excellency is a bonafide ethical leader who has generated apostles like christ at all levels of governance in the state.

.

“The theme Ethics of this edition, “Ethical Leadership And Governance at Grassroots: Downloading the Tomorrow is Here Philosophy at the Nsukka Local Government” perfectly captures the current needs and aspirations of our dear state and local government, making it highly relevant and timely.”

.

The royal father also took time to pour encomium on Governor Mbah, saying, “I am impressed by the visionary leadership of our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who has been instrumental in driving development and good governance across Enugu State. His style of leadership is a testament to the positive impact of ethical leadership on our respective communities.” While giving kudos to Hon. Adogwa for his unshaken commitment to bringing development closer to the people, he noted that the lecture will provide valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing ethical leadership and governance at the grassroots level.

.

Indeed, the UNN Lecture of May 23 on ethical leadership and development at grassroots was a huge success as the audience was thrilled by the incisive lecture  with traditional Ikorodo dance providing the music interlude.

.

Little wonder, the elated Chairman/Team Leader, EAISTRAP, University of Nigeria, Professor Ani on behalf of the Acting VC, the Management, the Dean and his Project Team organizers appreciated everyone who made it possible, describing the event as a ground-breaking outing.