Scholars, journalists, business leaders, traditional rulers and public officials converged across Nigeria to celebrate renowned political economist and public intellectual, Professor Pat Utomi, as he marked his 70th birthday.
The week-long Pat Utomi @70 celebrations spanned symposium halls, church pews and grand receptions, highlighting not just his age, but a lifetime of impact, leadership, scholarship and service to Nigeria.
The celebrations began in Enugu State with a high-level symposium organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) at the Amadeo Event Centre. Former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim delivered the keynote address, while global and African thought leaders—including Wamkele Mene, George Elombi, Nobel Prize-winning economist James Robinson, and Paul Collier—joined Nigerian governors Alex Otti and Peter Mbah in examining governance, economic reform and Africa’s development path.
From Enugu, the celebration moved to Delta State, Utomi’s hometown, where a thanksgiving Mass was followed by a colourful white-and-gold reception. The atmosphere blended elegance and nostalgia as highlife music played and guests—young and old—lined up to greet the professor, fondly called “Teacher” by admirers.
Reflecting on his journey, Utomi said strong values and delayed gratification shaped his life’s choices.
“I have no regrets about the path I have taken over the past 70 years. The relationships I have built are a blessing, and I thank God for a life marked by goodwill and favour,” he said.
Panel discussions across the events focused on governance, economic development, oil and gas opportunities, leadership ethics and Nigeria’s future. During a webinar hosted by Prime Business Africa, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi recalled covering Utomi as a young journalist, describing his enduring philosophy:
“Leadership is a type of behaviour or relationship that is people-centred.”
Writer and culture advocate Jahman Anikulapo, who moderated one of the sessions, described Utomi as a towering figure across disciplines.
“Pat Utomi is an elephant in every field he has ventured into. Whether books, lectures or conferences, there is always something to learn from him.”
The celebrations attracted prominent Nigerians, including Peter Obi, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Aminu Tambuwal, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, as well as business leaders Gabriel Ogbechie, Austin Avuru and Alfred Okoigun.
Events were held across five cities in four states—Enugu, Asaba-Ibuzo, Lagos, Abuja and Kaduna—and culminated in a white-and-gold cake-cutting ceremony, with music, dancing and photo sessions marking the close of a national tribute to Pat Utomi at 70.
