Prof. Patrick Okedinachi Utomi stands among Nigeria’s most respected thinkers in political economy, governance reform, and civic renewal. Born in Kaduna to parents from Igbuzo in Oshimili North, Delta State, his intellectual path spans the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned an MPA, MA, and a Ph.D. in political economy.
Utomi began his public sector journey as Special Assistant to President Shehu Shagari, later expanding his footprint across business, academia, and national policy. His leadership at Utomapp Holdings, Volkswagen Nigeria, and his distinguished tenure as Professor of Political Economy at Lagos Business School solidified his reputation as a scholar-practitioner whose work influences executive education and strategic thinking across the continent. His academic engagements include landmark programs at Harvard Business School and American University, while his commentary continues to shape national debate.
A prolific author, public intellectual, and two-time presidential candidate, Utomi remains a leading advocate for institutional integrity, ethical leadership, and the reengineering of Nigeria’s governance systems. His collaborations with eminent economists such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Prof. Charles Soludo have helped sharpen policy conversations around Nigeria’s economic competitiveness and societal renewal. Named one of Nigeria’s top ten living legends by Vanguard/Silverbird, his contributions cut across academia, policy reform, business strategy, and civic transformation.
This year’s S.P.A. Ajibade & Co. Annual Business Luncheon—“Rebuilding Public Trust in the Nigerian Justice System: Responsibilities of the Bar, the Bench, and the Society”—echoes the very questions Utomi has interrogated for decades: how institutions gain and lose legitimacy, why justice systems falter, and how societies build the moral capital required for national progress. His intervention promises a compelling blend of economics, ethics, leadership, and institutional accountability at a moment when Nigeria stands in urgent need of renewed trust.
Prof. Utomi will serve as one of the panelists at the 18th S.P.A. Ajibade & Co. Annual Business Luncheon, holding on Thursday, 11th December 2025, at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, by 11:00 a.m.
Registration is ongoing at: luncheon.spaajibade.com
