Anambra State is set to host the world to the Annual Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture on Good Governance. The lecture, with the theme: ‘Leadership and Good Governance in Nigeria’, is scheduled to hold Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka.

This year’s lecture is historic. Anambra is sponsoring it as part of the 30th-anniversary celebration designed to promote excellence and the right social values which Anyaoku personifies. The lecture honours the excellence which Chief Anyaoku brought to public service in his career as a top diplomat and seeks to bring the same to bear on issues of governance in Nigeria.

As Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Anyaoku initiated measures that ensured the enthronement of democracy and peace in South Africa and many African nations. His records speak of stellar performances in public service and a quiet, dignified private life. His statesmanship and roles in Nigeria, Africa and the world have been quintessential and exemplary since his retirement.

A lecture in his honour couldn’t have been more timely, particularly for Anambra State as it prepares to elect a new government on November 6 to succeed the excellent administration of Gov Willie Obiano who has performed exemplarily and exuded such leadership and administrative qualities typified by Chief Anyaoku during his active days.

On the other hand, the lecture provides an opportunity for conversations and debates on topical issues in Nigeria as it approaches the 2023 general elections on a backdrop of decades of misgovernance and increasing socio-political and economic challenges.

This year’s lecture is the 10th in the series of the annual lecture which has been hosted earlier by the Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Edo and Anambra governments. It will be chaired by the former governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke. The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo will be the special guest of honour, while the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano will be the chief host.

Speakers at the event include Prof Kingsley Muoghalu, former presidential candidate and former deputy governor of the Central Bank; Prof Hope Eghagha, a university don, playwright and columnist; and Senator Ben Murray Bruce, a business magnate, politician and founder of Silverbird Group among others.