Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji CMG, CFR (1912–2010), was a prominent Nigerian figure known for his roles in business administration, government service, philanthropy, and as a traditional leader.
Renowned for his integrity and discipline, he received his education at the University of Cambridge in England and the Economic Institute of the World Bank in Washington.
[5][6] In 1972, during Nigeria's oil boom, the Yakubu Gowon administration asked Udoji to lead a commission reviewing civil service standards and compensation in the country.
The commission made recommendations, known as the "Udoji Award," which included salary increases, civil servant training, administrative structure reforms, and the introduction of goal-oriented management.
Udoji's contributions extended beyond Nigeria, as he served as the Chairman of the Africanisation Commission of the East African Community in 1963 and participated in various international initiatives.
[7] In the Nigerian first republic, Udoji represented regional governments in financial concerns like Hotel Presidential, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, as well as Independence Breweries, Umuahia.
Due to disagreements with the military authorities in 1966, he transitioned from the regional civil service to practice law briefly before joining Ford Foundation.
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Cardinal Francis Arinze, among others, attended the service and highlighted Udoji's contributions to Nigeria.