News Rendezvous

Scholars, journalists, public officials and private-sector leaders on Thursday converged virtually to celebrate Professor Pat Utomi’s 70th birthday, paying glowing tribute to his ethics, intellectual depth and enduring influence on Nigeria’s public life.

The webinar, hosted by Prime Business Africa, reflected the breadth of Utomi’s impact across academia, politics, civic engagement and national discourse, with speakers describing him as a fearless public intellectual, a teacher of generations and a moral compass in a society grappling with ethical decline.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Prime Business Africa, Dr Marcel Mbamalu, said Utomi’s significance lies as much in his character as in his achievements.

He described him as humble, accessible and unwavering in his commitment to ethical leadership and public value.“In a society where many bend rules to get ahead, Professor Utomi has remained firm in his principles, even when doing so attracts resistance,” Mbamalu said, adding that this moral consistency makes him deserving of honour.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi recalled covering Utomi as a reporter at The Guardian, noting that almost everything Utomi said made headlines because of the weight his ideas carried. He observed that Utomi’s influence began early in life, making it unsurprising that many still find it hard to believe he has turned 70.

Adeniyi highlighted Utomi’s extensive writings on politics and governance, particularly his work on state capture, which exposes how narrow elites hijack public institutions for private gain.

He urged Nigerian leaders to adopt Utomi’s people-centred definition of leadership to secure lasting legacies, describing his ability to bridge theory and practice as a rare strength that unites “town and gown.”

Professor Bongo Adi of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, described Utomi as a colossus whose writings have shaped generations of young scholars. He recalled how many Nigerians grew up studying Utomi’s newspaper columns, often memorising his words to emulate his style. Although trained as an economist, Adi noted that Utomi writes with the flair of a literary artist. He identified aesthetics, truth and ethics as the defining pillars of Utomi’s work, also recalling his role in promoting Lagos Business School and his involvement in the Obedient Movement. According to him, Utomi’s intellectual depth makes him well suited for leadership.

Professor of Mass Communication, Chinyere Okunna, said Utomi’s long-standing argument that Nigeria suffers from a crisis of ethics remains central to the country’s challenges. She cited his public support for Peter Obi during the Labour Party defection in Asaba as evidence of his commitment to people-centred leadership.Okunna warned that Nigeria would remain underdeveloped unless leaders who share Utomi’s ideals are given the opportunity to govern, urging him to remain steadfast as younger Nigerians continue to draw inspiration from his example.

For Professor Okey Ikechukwu, Utomi’s integrity is genuine rather than performative. He said Utomi does not seek validation, making every tribute a sincere reflection of real impact. Ikechukwu added that Utomi’s achievements are products of hard work and moral clarity, not abuse of office, describing him as a natural leader whose ideas will outlive him.Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, said Utomi has remained a constant source of inspiration, particularly for his consistent contributions to national development outside public office.

He observed that while many of Utomi’s contemporaries in government have faded from relevance, Utomi has remained a respected and influential voice through books, columns and civic engagement.

Chidoka also warned against Nigeria’s growing suspicion of intelligence and data-driven decision-making, noting that Utomi represents the kind of thoughtful, informed leadership the country urgently needs.

Moderating the session, Jahman Anikulapo described Utomi as “an elephant” in every field he has entered, noting that the diversity of voices celebrating him underscored the depth of his influence. He recalled Utomi’s long record of speaking truth to power and resisting elite capture of the Nigerian state. In his reflections, Professor Utomi traced his life philosophy to the discipline, values and guidance he received from books, mentors and providence. He said he had no regrets about his journey over the past 70 years, emphasising delayed gratification and strong values as guiding principles.Utomi expressed gratitude for the relationships he had built over the years, thanking God for a life marked by goodwill and favour. Drawing from a conversation with a priest who compared his experience to that of Socrates, he expressed confidence that ideas rejected in one generation can later shape societies, adding that he remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future.

The webinar concluded with a collective affirmation of Professor Utomi’s legacy as a principled intellectual, a teacher of generations and a relentless advocate for a more ethical and just Nigeria.

Utomi currently serves as the Editorial Board Chairman of Prime Business Africa.