By Chinedum Treasure
The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is pleased to announce that its Chancellor, Chief Osita Chidoka, OFR, NPOM, will be delivering this year’s Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Annual Memorial Lecture on the topic “Harnessing the Power of Education for National Transformation: Lessons from Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s Vision.”
Media Adviser, Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in a statement, said the lecture is scheduled to take place on Friday 15 November 2024, at 11:00 am in the newly renovated ETF Auditorium, Igbariam Campus, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
“This year’s lecture will bring together distinguished guests, including the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Chief Ojukwu’s widow, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; special guest of honour, former Minister Labaran Maku; and the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, who will serve as the Chief Host.
“The Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, inaugurated in 2018, is an academic platform dedicated to preserving Ojukwu’s legacy of patriotism, courage, and visionary leadership.
“Previous lectures have featured esteemed speakers such as Prof. Anselm Odinkalu and Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, who have engaged in important public discourse on critical national issues. This third edition promises to be especially significant, as it comes at a time of great national anxiety, economic challenges, and increasing insecurity.
“Prof. Nnamdi Obikeze, Chairman of the Ojukwu Memorial Lecture Committee, remarked, “This 3rd edition promises an even more exciting and academically enriching experience as Chief Osita Chidoka, OFR, NPOM (Ike Obosi) prepares to light up the newly renovated ETF Auditorium of the University with words of wisdom in honour and celebration of one of the greatest sons of Ndi Igbo.
“Chief Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation and former Corps Marshal of the FRSC, is well-regarded for his exemplary public service and his commitment to youth development through the Mekaria Mentorship Programme – the largest youth mentorship initiative in Nigeria.
“He continues to champion evidence-based policy and national dialogue through the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, which he founded in 2024. Known for his dedication to educational and social reform, Chidoka’s insights are particularly suited to address the challenges facing Nigeria today and to outline a roadmap for national renewal and resilience.
“This year’s Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Annual Memorial Lecture, through Chief Chidoka’s insights, aims to spark meaningful dialogue on advancing education as a tool for national renewal, drawing from Ojukwu’s legacy of courage, vision, and dedication to the Nigerian people.
“Reflecting on this honour, Chidoka stated, “I am humbled by the university’s decision to offer me this opportunity to stand on the shoulders of a great Nigerian and celebrated Igbo son, to address the pressing challenges within our educational sector and inspire a renewed commitment to national transformation through the power of knowledge and resilient leadership.
“The Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership is proud to support this lecture, which serves as an important platform for solutions-oriented dialogue aimed at advancing education as a catalyst for national progress and resilience,” the statement reads.
