Midwest Herald Awards: Gen. Alex Ogomudia Harps on Strategy for National Development, Mike Ozekhome Advocates Equal Treatment for Political Corruption and Financial Crimes
Guest Speakers: Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, Gen Alex Ogomudia, former Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff
By Correspondent
On Wednesday March 12, 2025, at the 2024 Midwest Herald Achievers Awards in Benin City, Edo State, the former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Alex Ogomudia, and Nigeria’s foremost Constitutional Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Mike Ozekhome, preferred solutions to Nigeria’s embarrassing developmental and social decay.
While Ozekhome stressed the imperative of holding political class accountable for their actions, he advanced arguments for stringent penalties on political corruption and argued that, the offenders should be treated like those who have committed financial crimes, to foster good governance in Nigeria, Gen Ogomudia emphasised the need for politicians to learn development strategies.
In his well researched paper, the military man and now Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Delta State University, traced the dynamics between ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Empathy Intelligence’, both the general said should be the foundational training for politicians seeking to hold leadership role. The lack of these qualifications are responsible for the gaps between the leaders and those they are leading.
At the event, where he was honoured with the Defender of Democracy award, Ozekhome decried the prevailing culture of impunity among Nigeria’s political class.
He condemned the exploitation of governmental systems for personal gain and underscored the urgent need for transparency and reform within the political sphere.
While welcoming the cross section guests that gathered at the Cathelea Convention Centre, venue of the prestigious event, the Director of Organization, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo, winner of Sir Ahmadu Bello Sarduana Distinguished Platinum Award of Excellence as an Icon of Societal Transformation, National Association of Northern Nigerian Students (NANNS), stressed that the 2024 edition of the Midwest Herald Achievers Awards was dedicated to recognize and celebrate Nigeria’s legends and heroes.
“Today, we do more than honour individuals, we celebrate excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership,” Dr. Omo-Ojo said.
“Political corruption should be aggressively tackled with the same seriousness and penalties as financial crimes,” Ozekhome asserted, highlighting the widespread disregard for accountability among powerful individuals.
He emphasized that this disparity in treatment often shields offenders from facing justice.
Ozekhome also addressed the pervasive issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral processes, citing deep-seated manipulation and voter exploitation as significant challenges.
These, he argued, have severely undermined the integrity of elections and fueled public apprehension.
Calling for reforms in electoral adjudication, Ozekhome proposed measures to ensure that electoral violations are met with appropriate penalties.
He stressed that fair elections are crucial for maintaining legitimacy, transparency, and accountability in leadership.
“Free and fair elections are the bedrock of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability.
Safeguarding them is essential to ensure that leaders remain answerable to the electorate,” Ozekhome concluded.
His remarks at the Midwest Achievers Awards underscored a resounding call to action for comprehensive reforms aimed at curbing political corruption and enhancing democratic governance in Nigeria.
While welcoming the cross section guests that gathered at the Cathelea Convention Centre, venue of the prestigious event, the Director of Organization, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo stressed that the 2024 edition of the Midwest Herald Achievers Awards was dedicated to recognize and celebrate Nigeria’s legends and heroes.
“Today, we do more than honour individuals, we celebrate excellence, resilience, and visionary leadership,” Dr. Omo-Ojo said.
She praised the Founder, Publisher, and Chairman of Midwest Herald Newspaper, Honourable Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP, and hailed His Royal Majesty, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun State, and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje Thompson, the Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni, who were the chairpersons at the investiture ceremony.
“The theme of this year’s investiture is ‘Democracy, Development and Nigerians aptly fits the mode of the nation.
“Let me specially thank one of Nigeria’s finest military administrator, retired General Alexander Odeareduo Ogomudia CFR DSS fwc psc, MSc FNSE, former Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, Chief of Army Staff and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Delta State University, who was the first to arrive here today. He is one of our resource persons that will throw some lights on the national question of ‘Has Democracy Developed Nigeria?’
“Permit me to observe protocol and acknowledge some distinguished personalities in our midst: the Founder, Publisher, and Chairman of Midwest Herald Community Newspaper, Honourable Orobosa Omo-Ojo JP; our esteemed royal chairpersons, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje IV, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, Osun State, and Her Royal Majesty, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje Thompson, the Yeyeluwa Olori of Eti-Oni; our Chief Host, His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo; the Executive Governor of Edo State; the keynote speaker, Professor Mike Ozekhome SAN;
the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo SAN.
“I salute also, the distinguished Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Senator Neda Imasuen and His Excellency, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Honourable Philip Shaibu and the award winners for becoming the beacon of hope, including Prince Clem Ikanade Agba CON, Dr. West Idahosa SAN, Mr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe OON, Mr. Ewaen Sorae, Chief Osahon Airhunmwunde, Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, Comrade Omobude Agho and Chief Lucky Ohimai.
“I welcome specially, our brothers from the press, Honourable members of the Edo State House of Assembly – Honourable Andrew Uzamere and Honourable Dr. Richard Edosa and all other distinguished guests present today.
“For over two decades, the Midwest Herald through thr Achievers Awards has not only recognized achievers but has spotlighted the super achievers – political and business leaders who have dared to dream, navigated turbulent times, and upheld the highest ethical standards while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.
“This afternoon, we are not just here to applaud success, we are here to reaffirm a profound truth that: leadership is not about being in charge, it is about taking care of those in your charge. True leadership is not a title; it is a responsibility to build, to uplift, and to push the boundaries of what is possible for our nation.
“At a time when our country faces social and economic challenges, the individuals we honour today stand as beacons of hope, reminding us that integrity, innovation, and hard work remain timeless pillars of nation-building.
“On behalf of Midwest Herald, the Board of Advisers, and the entire Midwest Achievers Awards team, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all honourees.
“Your journey is a testament to the fact that the reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more. May ” you, and welcome to an afternoon of celebration and inspiration.
Read Also: Midwest Herald Achievers’ Awards 2024: Of Idols, Heroes and Role Models!
