Odoziobodo at 57: A tribute to a philosopher public servant

Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, the Special Adviser on Homeland Security and Intelligence to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, is one year older today, October 21, 2021. No parties or celebrations are planned because he does not think the mood in his home state warrants such.

He has spent the day meeting with heads of Federal Security agencies, such as the Imo State Commandant Michael Ogar of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Commissioner of Police Rabiu Hussaini.

However, those of us who are his associates have in our various ways wished him well. This little tribute is intended to remind the world that today is a special day for a simple man. He is the crown prince of Lorji who refuses to be addressed as a prince.

He holds at least two traditional chieftaincy titles in Igbo land, but does not attach “Chief” to his name. He is a Knight of the Catholic Church but does not use “Sir” as a prefix. The only prefix he would accept is “Dr.” because he says that’s the one he truly worked for and earned the hard way.

Dr. Ugorji is the Opara (first son) and first child of HRH Eze Nwabueze Ugorji and Ugoeze Retired Major Ngozi Ugorji or Lorji Nwekeukwu Autonomous Community, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

He is a Security Analyst and Global Affairs scholar, with expertise in human capital development, and homeland security. He believes that “it is not enough for a scholar to know; a scholar must act based on the knowledge, in furtherance of freedom, truth, and justice.”

By the age of 29 he had earned four university degrees – two bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and a doctorate degree. His doctorate is in Educational Leadership and Administration from Rutgers University, New Jersey.

In 2018 he returned to school and earned a second Master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has over 35 years of experience in public administration at local, state, national and international levels.

The “village homeboy,” as he sometimes refers to himself, is better known as a writer and publisher. He is the author of 10 books in fields that range from literature (fiction and poetry) to security studies and biographies.

He is also an award-winning publisher of over 100 books by African writers and leaders, including but not limited to the distinguished Senator Dr. Ken Nnamani, the international statesman and diplomat, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, the late diplomatic soldier General Joe Garba, the incomparable Professor Molefi Kete Asante, Dr. Umar Ardo, Professor Chudi Uwazurike, and so many others.

A quintessential community organizer, Dr. Ugorji’s organizing roles have included serving as the Executive Director of the US-based African Writers Endowment (of which the late Professor Chinua Achebe was the Honorary Chairman).

He has also served as Global Coordinator of Go-Big-Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Peoples Forum-USA (Delaware Valley), Board Member of the World Igbo Congress, Founding National President of the American Federation of Mbaise Associations, Founding Member of Alaigbo Development Foundation, Founding Member of Lorji Nwekeukwu Association For Progress, and the Founder and President of OFO Educational Foundation (OFO being the initials of “Organizing For Opportunities”).

Dr. Ugorji holds two traditional chieftaincy titles – Odoziobodo Mbaise, conferred by the late Eze Leo Nnaji of Enyiogwugwu; and Ide Mmuta Lorji conferred by HRH Eze S. N. Ugorji. He is a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus in the Catholic Church.

In January of 2021 Dr. Ugorji was appointed by His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State as the first ever Special Adviser on Homeland Security and Intelligence for the state. He has engaged the services of eight (8) Executive Assistants and Aides as a way to expand the impact of the shared prosperity mantra of his boss, Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Dr. Ugorji is married with six children – 5 boys and one girl.

Here is wishing the refined, ultimate gentleman and philosopher public servant, a happy birthday. May the blessings of God remain with you and yours! May your kind of public servant and leader multiply and be many among us!

The writer, Mr. Ephraim Chigozirim Anokwuru, is the Media Aide in the Office of Homeland Security and Intelligence, Imo State. He writes from Owerri.