Utomi at 70: Thought Leaders Hail Ethics, Ideas, and Enduring Leadership at Prime Business Africa Webinar

Scholars, journalists, public officials, and private-sector leaders on Thursday gathered at a webinar hosted by Prime Business Africa to celebrate Professor Pat Utomi on his 70th birthday, paying glowing tributes to his ethics, ideas, and lasting influence on Nigeria’s intellectual and civic life.

Speakers at the event described Utomi as a fearless voice of reason, a teacher of generations, and a moral compass whose commitment to ethical leadership has remained unwavering despite political and social pressures.

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Prime Business Africa, Dr. Marcel Mbamalu, said Utomi’s greatness is rooted as much in character as in achievement. He described him as humble, approachable, and deeply principled, noting that in a society where compromise often defines success, Utomi has consistently stood firm on values, even at personal cost.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi recalled covering Utomi as a young reporter at The Guardian, noting that his comments routinely made headlines because of their clarity and depth. He said Utomi’s influence began early in life and highlighted his extensive writings on politics and governance, particularly on state capture and elite domination of public institutions. Adeniyi urged Nigerian leaders to embrace Utomi’s people-centred definition of leadership to build lasting legacies.

Professor of Economics at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Bongo Adi, described Utomi as a colossus whose writings shaped a generation of young scholars. He identified aesthetics, truth, and ethics as the defining qualities of Utomi’s work, adding that although trained as an economist, he writes with the flair of a literary master. Adi also noted Utomi’s role in institution-building and civic movements, saying his depth of knowledge equips him 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 people-centred leadership as evidence of his convictions and urged him to remain steadfast as young Nigerians continue to draw inspiration from his example.

Professor Okey Ikechukwu described Utomi as a man of deep conviction whose integrity is genuine rather than performative. He said Utomi’s influence flows from hard work and principled living, not abuse of office, adding that his ideas would outlive him.

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, said Utomi has remained a consistent and respected voice in national discourse, even without holding public office. He noted that while many of Utomi’s contemporaries have faded from relevance, Utomi continues to shape debates through books, writings, and civic engagement, making him more impactful than many former officeholders.

Moderating the session, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo described Utomi as “an elephant” in every field he has entered, noting that the diversity of tributes reflected the breadth of his influence across academia, civic life, and public affairs.

In his remarks, Professor Utomi traced his life philosophy to the discipline and values gained from books, mentors, and faith. He said he had no regrets about his journey, stressing that delayed gratification and strong principles guided his choices. Expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, he noted that ideas rejected in one generation often shape societies in another.

The webinar ended 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. Professor Utomi also serves as the Editorial Board Chairman of Prime Business Africa.