Gov. Uzodimma assigns Ugorji homeland security portfolio

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has, on Monday, February 22, 2021, appointed Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji as his Special Advisor on Homeland Security and Intelligence.

Dr. Ugorji, who had campaigned for Uzodimma in 2019, is an expert in homeland security, with a Master’s degree in the subject area from the George Washington University, located in Washington, DC, United States of America.

He is the author of “Securing the Homeland: Essays in Security Leadership, Intelligence, and Crisis Management” (Sungai Books, 2020).

In a letter dated February 23, 2021 from the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Iwu, Dr. Ugorji was welcomed to his new role on behalf of Governor Uzodimma.

He brings to his duties in Imo State over 30 years of public administration experience in the state of New Jersey, US, including work for the state government and several municipal governments.

He holds a doctorate degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Rutgers University, New Jersey, as well as another Master’s degree and two Bachelor’s degrees from The College of New Jersey.

According to Dr. Ugorji, “Governor Uzodimma envisions the pursuit of security and safety for the citizens and residents of Imo State with emphasis on soft power and proactive measures based on intelligence gathering and analysis.

“My assignment is to conceptualize this approach and align it with the hard power that the military and police provide.”

In this inter-agency role, Ugorji will come in contact, interact, and collaborate with all agencies involved in providing security and safety in the state. 

Dr. Ugorji will combine his duties in Imo State with a national assignment as a member of the Think-Tank working with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR.

In this capacity he will be an adviser to the Office of the Chief of Staff in homeland security, political intelligence, national cohesion matters, and special duties. 

“I have come home at the urging of my senior brother and mentor, Professor Gambari, to assist in any professional manner my nation and my state see fit,” Ugorji said in reaction to his assigned roles.

“I am grateful to Governor Uzodimma and Professor Gambari for the opportunity to make contributions, especially in these difficult and challenging times.”

Dr. Ugorji hails from Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community of the Oke Clan, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State.

He is the first child of HRH Eze Stephen Nwabueze Ugorji and Ugoeze Ngozi Ugorji.

He serves as the Global Coordinator of GoBigNigeria, and as the Executive Director of the US-based African Writers Endowment.