Utomi praises Victor Attah, says he has achieved 'immortality'

Nigerian professor and former presidential candidate Pat Utomi has praised Akwa Ibom’s ex-governor Victor Attah, saying he has reached "immortality" due to his lasting impact on the state.

Mr Utomi, who teaches entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School, shared his thoughts in a Facebook post on Friday. This came after he traveled from Ikot Ekpene to Victor Attah International Airport to welcome former President Olusegun Obasanjo for the launch of a media platform in Uyo.

During his journey, Mr Utomi reflected on the strong foundations Mr Attah built during his eight years as governor. He noted that Attah's development projects still affect the state even after he left office.

"I was reminded of the foundation that one decent, visionary man of character, Obong Victor Attah, laid as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the fruits of his labour, so evident even in the work of his successors, both good and bad," he wrote.

Mr Utomi expressed that the experience deepened his appreciation for transformational leadership. He praised the ability to envision a future beyond immediate political interests and to remain committed to it despite challenges.

"These are the people who see tomorrow and persevere to bring it about, even in the face of determined opposition," he said.

He added that Mr Attah has "attained immortality, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr Michael Okpara and Sir Ahmadu Bello," while maintaining a simple lifestyle.

Attah’s lasting impact

Mr Attah, who is an architect and politician, served as Akwa Ibom's governor from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He became a key figure in the state's growth after Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

His administration focused on major infrastructure and economic projects. These included building an international airport, the Ibom Power Plant, and the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort. He also planned for the Ibom Deep Seaport. The state renamed the airport Victor Attah International Airport in 2018 to honor his contributions.

Mr Attah started the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. However, this project was left unfinished until his successor, Udom Emmanuel, revived it and opened it in May 2023.

Recent updates show that there are still outstanding construction needs. Governor Umo Eno's administration is working to finalize a partnership for the facility to be fully operational by August 2026.

Besides infrastructure, Mr Attah was a strong supporter of resource control and fiscal federalism. He argued that oil-producing states should get a fairer share of the revenue from their resources.

His advocacy was especially important in the Niger Delta, where communities and governments sought more benefits from oil wealth.

The issue of revenue sharing became a major constitutional and political topic during the presidency of Mr Obasanjo, who was in office from 1999 to 2007, the same time Mr Attah was governor.

Mr Attah’s push for resource control helped bring attention to revenue allocation and the rights of oil-producing states in national discussions. The principle of derivation allows a share of revenue from natural resources to return to the areas where they come from.

Beyond just projects

Mr Utomi’s comments frame Mr Attah’s legacy in a broader conversation about leadership. He suggests that a leader’s lasting significance is not just in completed projects, but also in the ideas and pathways that continue after they are gone.

Mr Utomi compared Mr Attah to Awolowo, Okpara, and Ahmadu Bello. Awolowo was known for social welfare and education programs. Okpara focused on agriculture and industry. Ahmadu Bello was a key political figure in Northern Nigeria's development.

Mr Utomi’s view highlights that Mr Attah’s legacy goes beyond physical structures. It emphasizes how his vision has continued to influence the state through different governments.

However, Mr Utomi’s tribute was more of a personal view on Mr Attah’s leadership rather than a detailed analysis of his record.

Mr Attah was born on 20 November 1938 and will turn 87 in November 2025. His life and career continue to attract public interest, including the launch of a biography about him in 2025.