Pat Utomi
In many ways he is the renaissance man that sought knowledge to use it to serve. Serve he did all the years I knew him with his signature smile that proclaimed the inner peace from which his sense of service derived.
The news of the passing of Dr Austin Nweze came as a shock to many partly because he had done so much giving and so little taking it was natural to hope for a long life to receive recompense. But Heaven has rewards we cannot even contemplate.
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I have known Austin for decades. When we first met he was navigating the Journalism and Publisher phase of his career. Then there came the years of Personal Financial Planning. Working with the iconic executive Felix Akpe he helped many, including me, to learn from the richest man. This would prepare the path for the public intellectual.
When I initiated the TV series Patito’s Gang 25 years ago Austin was a section Anchor, moderating the Parliament segment. He would become one of the consistent faces on the Gang all through these 25 cryyears.
He would join me at the Lagos Business School when I was Director of the Centre for Applied Economics, as Administrator of the Centre.
Grit flowed from him as he worked tirelessly at his many pursuits. You could count on his locality and honest patriotism at every point.
In his closing chapter we worked together in the Bug Tent to set a compass for Nigeria’s political journey.
Austin meant many good things to many people.
May the Angels of God escort him to paradise.
Patrick Okedinachi tomi, a Professor at the Lagos Business School, is Founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership, Convener of The Big Tent and Chairman of the NCFront
