JUST IN: Peter Obi showers praises on APC former chairman, says he is his role model

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has showered praises on the former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, John Odigie Oyegun, saying he is a role model.

He made the remarks in a birthday message to Oyegun, who turned 84 on Saturday, August 12, 2023.

Oyegun was the first national chairman of the APC. He served between July 2013 – July 2018. He was also the Executive Governor of Edo State between 1992 and 1993

Obi showering praises on Oyegun said he is selfless service to Nigeria and his commitment to good governance is worthy of emulation.

He also said the establishment of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki is a fitting tribute to Oyegun’s service to Nigeria.

He said: “My family and I join other Nigerians to celebrate a most distinguished Nigerian, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on his 84th birthday. We equally thank the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for honouring Chief Oyegun with the establishment of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) being commissioned today.

“Chief Oyegun is a committed and patriotic Nigerian. With an Economics degree in 1963 and joining the Federal Civil Service, he devoted his life and career to a better Nigeria, rising to the position of a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36. He served in the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

“In assessing Nigeria’s poor performance in key governance indicators such as rule of law, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, voice, and accountability, the establishment and commissioning of JOOPSA today is most auspicious, and naming it after Chief Oyegun is most deserving.

“With the socio-economic growth and development of a society determined largely by the effective formulation and execution of government policies, providing the required training to our civil servants with selfless and accountable leaders like Chief Oyegun as a role model is most commendable and in line with our demand for a New Nigeria that we see as Possible.”

Obi said he believes that Oyegun’s example can inspire a new generation of leaders who are committed to selfless service and accountable governance.