Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Wife of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has described the former Biafra leader as a relentless fighter for justice and a firm believer in the power of knowledge.
She spoke on Wednesday at the 4th Annual Ojukwu Memorial Lecture, held at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam, as part of the institution’s Founders’ Day and 16th convocation ceremony.
“Ojukwu was not just a soldier and statesman, but a man of ideas—committed to justice, knowledge, and principled leadership,” she said.
“His life challenges us to confront hard truths about nationhood, equity, and leadership.”
Bianca stressed that true leadership demands courage and sacrifice, not convenience, urging Nigerians to build a nation rooted in justice, unity, and shared prosperity.
She also highlighted Ojukwu’s early appreciation for environmental sustainability, noting his passion for tree planting long before climate advocacy gained global momentum.
“Trees are silent guardians of our air, soil, and future,” she said, linking his legacy to today’s climate challenges.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, called for urgent climate action, warning that inaction carries far greater consequences.
Speaking on the theme “Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future: Beyond Rhetoric,” Mignot emphasized that practical steps—not speeches—are needed to tackle climate threats.
Bianca further urged universities to serve as policy think tanks, producing research to guide government decisions, especially in foreign policy and economic diplomacy. She reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ readiness to collaborate with academia to enhance Nigeria’s global image.
Addressing graduating students, she challenged them to go beyond certificates, stressing that character, resilience, and integrity will ultimately define their success.
Vice Chancellor of COOU, Kate Omenugha, praised the minister for strengthening the university’s global reach, particularly within diplomatic circles.
