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Chief Jerome Udoji: Architect of Nigeria’s Modern Civil Service

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A tribute to Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji, the civil servant, legal luminary, and traditional ruler who transformed Nigeria’s public administration.

Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji (1917–2010) was a distinguished Nigerian public servant, lawyer, businessman, and traditional ruler. Born on July 17, 1917, in Ozubulu, Anambra State, he would go on to become a transformative figure in Nigeria’s civil service and public administration. Widely regarded for his legal acumen, administrative foresight, and ethical leadership, Udoji’s contributions continue to shape governance in Nigeria.

Education and Early Career

Chief Udoji’s commitment to education laid the foundation for his remarkable career. He attended:

St Michael’s Catholic School, Ozubulu

St Charles Teacher’s Training Institute, Onitsha

Driven by a passion for learning, he proceeded to University of Cambridge, England (1945–1948), where he studied law and became one of the first Nigerians to graduate from this prestigious institution. He was subsequently called to the English Bar at Gray’s Inn, London.

Upon returning to Nigeria, Udoji embarked on a stellar career in public service, beginning as a third-class clerk in Western Nigeria. He steadily rose through the ranks:

Personal Assistant to the Provincial Secretary, Western Nigeria

Assistant District Officer, Ekiti Division (1948–1950)

District Officer, Egbado Division (1951–1953)

Permanent Secretary, Eastern Region Ministries of Health, Commerce, Finance, and Establishment (1955–1959)

Chief Secretary and Head of Eastern Nigeria Civil Service (1960–1966)

He briefly practiced law privately (1966–1968) and worked as a consultant for the Ford Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Udoji Award and Civil Service Reforms

The pinnacle of Chief Udoji’s career came in 1972, when General Yakubu Gowon appointed him Chairman of the Public Service Review Commission. The commission, famously known for the “Udoji Award”, undertook a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s civil service, introducing far-reaching reforms:

Salary Reforms: Recommended significant increases in civil servants’ salaries, implemented in 1974, dramatically improving spending power and morale.

Administrative Reorganisation: Advocated for a unified and integrated administrative structure, elimination of inefficiencies, and restructuring of redundant departments.

Training and Capacity Building: Introduced formal civil service training programmes to professionalize public administration.

Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Emphasized accountability, elimination of waste, and streamlined governance processes.

The Udoji Award became a benchmark for modernizing public administration and enhancing civil service professionalism in Nigeria.

Business and Traditional Leadership

In addition to his civil service career, Chief Udoji was a successful businessman, engaging in consultancy and strategic advisory roles. He also held the traditional title of Igwe Ozuluoha I of Igboland, reflecting his standing and influence within his community.

Legacy

Chief Jerome Udoji passed away in 2010 at the age of 98, leaving a lasting legacy:

Recognized as a transformative civil servant whose reforms continue to influence Nigerian governance.

Remembered as a legal scholar and administrative strategist, combining Western education with deep understanding of Nigerian socio-cultural dynamics.

Honoured as a traditional ruler, bridging modern governance and indigenous leadership structures.

The Udoji Award remains a defining milestone in Nigeria’s civil service history, symbolizing the pursuit of efficiency, equity, and professionalism in public administration.

Visual Representation

The accompanying image captures Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji in the 1970s, reflecting his stature as a pioneering civil servant, lawyer, and public figure in Nigeria.

Sources

Udoji, J. O. Public Service and Administration in Nigeria (Government Press, Lagos, 1974)

Akinyele, R. Nigerian Civil Service Reforms: The Udoji Experience (University of Ibadan Press, 1990)

Ezeani, Chukwuma. Notable Nigerians in Public Service (Enugu Academic Press, 2005)

National Archives of Nigeria, Lagos & Enugu Records (1960–1975)

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Nnamdi Kanu’s release might be possible if his health and other legal matters are managed appropriately- Primate Elijah Ayodele

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Primate Elijah Ayodele discussed Nnamdi Kanu’s situation, who received a life sentence after being convicted, in a Facebook video that gained significant attention on December 20, 2025. Ayodele cautioned the political activist about the importance of taking care of his health while incarcerated, as it would play a critical role in the coming months.

He stated, “He should prioritize his health; his release will be negotiable,” implying that Kanu’s release might be possible if his health and other legal matters are managed appropriately.

Ayodele remarked that Kanu’s situation is complex, and any potential release will be influenced by political and legal factors. He emphasized that Kanu needs to maintain both physical and mental well-being to navigate the challenges ahead.

He expressed concern that mismanagement of Kanu’s health could hinder ongoing negotiations or delay positive outcomes related to his case.

Ayodele concluded by stressing that both the government and Kanu’s supporters should monitor his health closely, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant and self-disciplined during this period to overcome future challenges.

 

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Fire guts FIRS Headquarters ahead of New Tax laws rollout

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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has confirmed that a fire incident occurred at one of its offices within its Abuja headquarters on Saturday, days ahead of the January 2026 implementation of Nigeria’s new tax laws.

The incident was confirmed by Mr Sikiru Akinola, spokesperson to the Executive Chairman of the agency, Zacch Adedeji.

According to Akinola, the fire broke out on the fourth floor of the building and was promptly detected by security personnel on duty.

He said swift intervention by the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service, alongside other emergency responders, ensured the fire was quickly contained and prevented from spreading to other parts of the complex.

“We are grateful to report that no lives were lost in the incident,” Akinola said. “However, a number of offices on the affected floor sustained damage.”

He added that investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced, with preliminary findings suggesting a possible electrical fault.

“In the meantime, all internal safety protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to mitigate against future occurrences,” he said.

Ekwutosblog reports that the incident comes just days before the planned implementation of the country’s new tax laws, which have generated pockets of controversy nationwide.

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Expedite on S’East projects, Ndigbo committed to your re-election – Ohanaeze tells Tinubu

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Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared that the lgbo stand committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu until 2031, while calling for the completion of all major projects in the South-East zone ahead of 2027 elections.

Ohanaeze said for the temporary opening of Lagos-Calabar coastal Highway, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has distinguished himself.

The group stated that the prestigious recognition of Umahi is a testament to his exceptional commitment to the tenets of public service, demonstrated through the timely execution of critical road projects, rigorous field oversight of ongoing construction works, and engaging communities across the six geopolitical zones via town hall meetings and public enlightenment events.

Ohanaeze hailed President Bola Tinubu for his decision to appoint an Igbo man and professional engineer to serve as Minister of Works, an event remarkable in its significance as it marks the first instance in 74 years, since 1951, that an Igbo individual has occupied the vital position.

The organization noted that the impacts of Umahi’s tenure had resonated across all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reaffirming the confidence of the Nigerian populace in the administration of President Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement issued at the weekend by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, National spokesperson and made available to Ekwutosblog.

The organisation said: “Without hesitation, we, the Ndigbo, declare forthrightly: for the first time since 2015, we are witnessing a political landscape where all five Southeast Governors, all five Igbo Ministers, and the entire Southeast region stand unwaveringly loyal to President Tinubu’s re-election campaign for 2027.

“In recognition of the recent temporary opening of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on the 12th of December 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges this remarkable achievement.

“It is a significant milestone that enhances festive season travel and provides much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians, particularly commuters in Lagos.

“The year 2025 has been characterized by an unprecedented transparency in governance, exemplified by the Federal Government’s proactive engagement of the nation’s anti-graft agencies, the EFCC and the ICPC.

“Their audits of financial transactions and contractor performances have paved the way for timely payments and enforced accountability, thereby reinforcing adherence to contractual agreements between the Federal Government and both domestic and foreign contractors.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo urged the Federal Government to create opportunities in 2026 for local Nigerian contractors to compete on an equitable basis with foreign counterparts.

“As we reflect on the substantial infrastructural investment of 1.5 trillion Naira, directed toward road projects in the Southeast region, we commend President Tinubu for his unparalleled benevolence,” it further stated.

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