It is trite to note as Winston Churchill did that by different methods different men excel. We can only despise the days of little beginnings at our collective peril. The dramatic and phenomenal rise of President Barack Obama has since proved that. Here is another African who wants to take the Roman Empire by storm. It is axiomatic that the dearth of good leadership on our shores remains the most potent factor militating against the development of our nation. Nigeria is a complex paradox. Okpara, a genuinely concerned Nigerian in Diaspora, posits that ethical leadership (as espoused by bioethics) is a credible path that we can tread out of the present leadership quagmire. While we can hardly blame some fellow citizens abroad who have abandoned Nigeria or switched to a siddon look mode, we must however commend the efforts of Nigerians abroad who have not lost faith in Nigeria and are willing to work for her betterment. Such is the abiding and igniting faith of Christian Okpara.

The name Christian Okpara is not likely to ring bell like those of the sycophants masquerading as political leaders but from his base in Rome, Italy, he believes Nigeria can truly beat as the heart of Africa. Unlike the majority of Nigerians who Andrew out of Nigeria in hot pursuit of the proverbial golden fleece, Okpara has been arming himself with knowledge. He is a well lettered and an all round man. He is many things rolled into one: an astute administrator, a professional consultant on varying developmental issues especially ethical practices in government and corporate management, human resources manager, public relations manager, public affairs analyst, peace and security analyst, etc. He is also burgeoning with realism and hope as a licensed Bioethicist.

The Microsoft Encarta (2008) defines Diaspora as a Greek word meaning dispersion. It was initially used to refer to Jewish communities outside Israel. In the 20th century, the word Diaspora was also used for other groups dispersed or settled outside their homelands. Is Nigeria seriously engaging her own Diaspora constructively? We hear of government officials calling on the Diaspora community to come and contribute their quota to the development of our dear country but these are not backed with the requisite enabling environment. Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman House of Reps’ Committe on Diaspora, expressed optimism during the launch of the committee that Nigerians in Diaspora are our ambassadors and constitutes a critical mass that is pivotal to national development. She cited instances of the fact that Nigerians in Diaspora remit over N18 billion back to the country annually. Also, the Indian Diaspora has ensured remarkable economic and technological development in India from the knowledge they acquired abroad.

Diasporans like Okpara are willing and ready to deploy the knowledge and experience which they gathered outside the nation’s shores to the development of their fatherland, but how and where will they start? There are no clear cut institutional frameworks for such people to channel their energy and expertise to the benefit of Nigeria. They need to know that their country cares for and still needs them. It is worthy of note that a Nigerian court has ruled that Nigerians in Diaspora can now vote, thus, they can participate in electing those who governs their home country.

Okpara was born on Saturday, December 21, 1963, in Isiekenesi, Ideato local government area of Imo State. He was at Isiekenesi High School from 1977 to 1982 before settling down in Rome, the Italian capital since February 1984. He has since become a full European citizen. He has also tied the nuptial nuts with an Italian lady and they have a set of dazzling twin girls to show for it. All these added to his enduring devotion in democracy and development has given him the impetus to marshal resources to seek a seat in the Italian National Parliament. The main thrust of this piece is to lend a helping hand to a Nigerian who wants to do his fatherland proud. Its part of the concerted efforts targeted at rebranding Nigeria.

Okpara holds a Laurea/Licence degree in Bioethics (specializing in Biotechnology and Food Security) – Magna Cum Laude– from the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum, Rome-Italy, 2006. He acquired a 2nd level masters degree in peace building management (with specialization in Desertification and Food Security) – Pontifical University Saint Bonaventure, Rome-Italy, 2006 and also has a 1st Level Masters Degree in Peace Building Management (Environmental Security Option) – from the same university in 2005. His other academic pursuits includes: Master in Environmental Sciences, specializing in Sustainable Development (Magna Cum Laude Probatus), from Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum, Rome-Italy, 2003/2004; Master in Business Administration, specializing in Project Financing – First Class Honours, from Consortium Inter-Universities (University of Roma “La Sapienza”), Rome-Italy, 1999/2001; Diploma in Philosophy from Pontifical University Saint Bonaventure, Roma-Italy, 1991/1994; Post Graduate Diploma in “Diplomatic Carriers” and Diploma in “International Organization” – from S.I.O.I (Italian School of International Organizations and Diplomatic Carrier) – Rome-Ita1y, 1988, etc.

He was a Consultant at UN/IFAD, Roma-Italy. He was President of “Nelson Mandela–ALCAM”, an international civil rights organization, from 1994 to 1999, in Siena-Italy. He is a member of many organizations such as: the Society for International Development (SID) Rome, Italy; International Association of Administrative Science – Belgium; Nigerian Association of Bioethics; Italian Association of BIOETHICS – Italy, etc. Okpara speaks five languages. He is fully proficient in Igbo, English and Italian languages while he has a working knowledge of French and Spanish.

He is an unwavering advocate of Bioethics. He identified the cardinal issues involved in it as varying but not limited to: public policy issues, justice, beneficence, seeking the greater good of the majority, citizenship orientation, services or projects for community development, any issue that has to do with the good of the public; such as public health, development activities, provision of basic amenities, result-oriented legislations, etc. Basically, his underlying precepts of ethical governance can be situated within the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals, NEEDS, Yar’Adua’s 7-point agenda + Vision 20-2020 and such development strategies.

When confronted with a myriad of problems, Okpara opines that a pragmatic leader must come up with justifiable and workable solutions. The decisions that he arrives at at such critical moments ought to be based on comprehensive information to address competing values and interests, and also to formulate an answer to the question ”What Should I Do?”. Public processes ought to be consistent, coherent, and transparent, as these will make for unity and integrity in the art of governance. Of course, it is worth reemphasizing the fact that it is pretty difficult to build or sustain our democracy and holistic development drive on a foundation devoid of motivated professionals and technocrats who are guided by ethics and the love of country.

Nigeria in her quest for electoral reforms perhaps may learn from the system in Italy where before you contest an election you must be a graduate from an accredited university, be certified by the police to be of impeccable character, be a regular tax payer, be engaged in something legally with proper documentations, etc.

He is seeking to give life to his novel ambition on the platform of the Italian Democratic Party. In 2004, he participated in the Rome Council Election but lost marginally. He is also not leaving his options closed as he is also considering registering his presence in his native Imo State and Nigeria in general. In 2009, haven harnessed more experience and resources; he is set to contest the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Italy. Okpara is not unmindful of the odds before him; hence, he is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to see that his mission sees the light of the day. It is one’s prayer that God will cause providence to favour him. Okpara is reachable at christianokpara@hotmail.com

By Oyin KOLEOSHO, Abuja Nigeria, oyinkoleosho@yahoo.com

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