Prosper Okoye
Scholars, journalists, public officials and private-sector leaders on Thursday paid tribute to Professor Pat Utomi at a webinar hosted by Prime Business Africa to mark his 70th birthday, praising his ideas on ethics, governance and leadership as a pathway to Nigeria’s renewal.
Speakers at the event said Utomi’s decades of writing, teaching and public engagement have shaped political and economic thinking in Nigeria and inspired generations of scholars, activists and policymakers.
Dr Marcel Mbamalu, publisher and editor-in-chief of Prime Business Africa, said Utomi’s influence rests not only on his professional achievements but also on his character. Mbamalu, who is also a Communications consultant, researcher and media trainer, described Utomi as principled, humble and committed to public service, noting that he has maintained ethical standards in a society where compromise is often rewarded.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDelivering the keynote address, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi recalled covering Utomi as a reporter, saying his statements regularly made headlines because of their clarity and force.
Adeniyi said Utomi became a prominent public intellectual at a young age and has remained influential for decades.
He cited Utomi’s work on state capture as a key contribution to Nigeria’s political economy, arguing that it exposes how powerful elites use public institutions for private gain. Adeniyi also highlighted Utomi’s definition of leadership as “a people-centred relationship,” urging public office holders to adopt it.
Bongo Adi, professor of economics at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, described Utomi as a writer whose newspaper columns influenced many young scholars. He said Utomi’s ability to combine economic analysis with literary expression made his ideas accessible and enduring.
Adi identified three qualities that define Utomi’s work — aesthetics, truth and ethics — and said his involvement in public life, including the Obedient Movement, reflects a commitment to values-driven leadership.
Professor of Mass Communication Chinyere Okunna said Utomi’s long-standing argument that Nigeria faces a crisis of ethics remains relevant. She cited his public support for Peter Obi during the Labour Party defection in Asaba as an example of his people-centred politics and urged him to continue engaging young Nigerians.
Okey Ikechukwu, professor of strategic management and human capital development, described Utomi as a man of integrity whose achievements were earned through hard work rather than political privilege. He said Utomi’s ideas would continue to shape public discourse long after his lifetime.
Former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka said Utomi has remained a consistent voice in Nigeria’s national debate, even as many of his contemporaries have faded from public life. He said Utomi’s books, columns and civic engagement have given him greater influence than many who have held political office.
Jahman Anikulapo, who moderated the session, said Utomi’s influence cuts across academia, civil society and public life, describing him as a figure whose ideas continue to challenge power and elite dominance in Nigeria.
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In his remarks, Utomi reflected on his life and career, saying his values were shaped by mentors, books and faith. He said he remained hopeful about Nigeria’s future, even if the ideas he has championed take time to be realised.
The webinar concluded with participants reaffirming Utomi’s role as a leading public intellectual and advocate for ethical leadership. Utomi is also the Editorial Board of Prime Business Africa.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
