By KENNEDY EWEAMA
The prefix “Her Excellency” aside, nobody can dispute the fact that Chioma Ohakim is an embodiment of honour, integrity, and dignity. she epitomizes a quintessential example of ideal motherhood and womanhood, as can be glinned from her staunch belief in a non-compromised up-bringing of the child, which has evidently manifested in the exemplary conduct and accomplishments of her children in different spheres of human endeavours.
This exposition on Her Excellency,Barr(Mrs) Chioma Ohakim,mni – and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland – seeks to chronicle the life and times of an administrator,technocrat and legal luminary who attained the lofty heights of exemplary leadership in various strata by dint of resilience and hard work.This is her “birthday week”, and it is worthwhile to not only celebrate her but also cast a glance at what stands her out as a primus inter pares ; it is not praisesinging but rather an act of giving honour to whom honour is due.
As we celebrate the doggedness and spartan spirit of Chioma Priscilla Ohakim,we do so with immense pride and profound sense of anticipation for the remarkable journey she just embarked upon as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland – a European country. Her birthday this year marks not just another year of life but the beginning of a significant new chapter in distinguished career of service to our nation.
Her Excellency – a seasoned lawyer, administrator and community leader with extensive experience in governance,policy formulation, and women and youth empowermen – is the esteemed wife of His Excellency,Dr ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State. Her appointment by President Bola Tinubu and its unanimous confirmation by the Senate of the National Assembly was a testament to her qualifications, leadership charisma, and the confidence in her ability to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
Her appointment reminds us of the axiomatic postulation of the prolific, proficient and immortal writer, Prof Chinua Achebe (of the blessed memory), that “a person whose name is called again and again by those trying in vain to catch a bull has something he alone can do to bulls.” President Tinbu’s choice of Her Excellency to come on board and assist in strengthing Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement across the globe, particularly in Europe,was not a happenstance ; it was delibrate,methodical and a vote of confidence on her capabilities. She stands out as a prime example of Mr President’s strategic intent to rejig Nigeria’s image among the cormity of Nations of the world, and is expected to bring her unique perspectives and legal background to the fore in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and Poland.
Among the intellengentia and diplomatic community in Nigeria,Her Excellency’s appointment resonates deeply because of the dedication and thoroughness she brings to any responsibility she is saddled with. Elder statesman,Chief John Enyogasi (Ok 2000) attested to this when he posited in his congratulatory message to Her Excellency, that the “Ohakim’s family is known for meticulousness in every task assigned to them.” These words from an octogenariam, a foremost business entrepreneur and political leader in Imo State,was not a mere statement ; it was a bold affirmation borne out of years of observation.
As an Ambassador, Her Excellency will be at the forefront of show casing Nigeria’s rich heritage, her economic potentials, and commitment to global peace and cooperation. Her administrative acumen will be crucial in advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objective, promoting trade, cultural exchange, and protecting the interest of Nigerians in Poland. This role demands not only diplomatic acumen but also a deep understanding of international relations and passion for national service – qualities Her Excellency possesses in abundance.
Her Excellency at a glance
As we celebrate Her Excellency’s duality – birthday and ambassadorial appointment – it is imperative to afford Nigerians a glance at her very inspirational background (even if synoptic). Nigerians deserve to know and appreciate the background from which the versatile ambassador to Poland is coming from.
Her Excellency had her West African School Certificate in 1980 at Girls’ Technical College,Aba. She proceeded to the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, where she graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration and Management in 1987.
In pursuit of more academic laurels,she pursued and earned a law degree (LLB) in 2002 at Imo State University, Owerri, and later,a Bachelor of Law (BL) in 2003 from the Nigerian Law School,Abuja. She also had a Master’s Degree (LLM) in Law from Abia State University, Uturu, in 2010. Presently, she is doing her doctorate in International Relations at Imo State University, Owerri.
Her Excellency is a certified member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, kuru – sec 35,with the prestigious title of “member, National institute (mni).” Aside from National Honours conferred by the Nigerian President on deserving Nigerians, no other honour is more deserving in the country than an “mni” – which is reserved for top ranking personalities who are graduands of the NIPSS.
It is pertinent to point out that apart from being the former First Lady of Imo State (2007-2011), where she left laudable and exemplary footprints as a grassroot mobilizer, advocate for a healthy society, trial blazer in women and youths empowerment via EWAYI (Empowerment for Women and Youth Initiative) with an ultra modern and befitting secretariat complex,Her Excellency was also the Board Chairman, Nigeria Agricultural insurance corporation (NAIC) between 2013 – 2015.
Perhaps,a rare quality of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Poland is her humility,swift adaptability rate and the desire to always understudy her superiors. This has profoundly manifested in her rapid growth and development in leadership roles and the legal profession, and has sharpened her expertise in legal analysis and litigation, strategic management, interpersonal and diplomatic communication, problem solving and leadership,time management, and international relations and policy formulation.
In the course of her rise in the legal profession,she was mentored by the best brains in the profession: DC Denwigwe,SAN and Associates, Awa kalu,SAN and Associates; and Awomolo SAN and Associates, Abuja. Presently, she is the Managing Partner,P.C.O Legal Consulting,Abuja – with specialization in legal consultancy,alternative dispute resolution, real estate, and solicitorship.
We Celebrate Her Excellency
On the occasion of Her Excellency’s birthday,we honour her past accomplishments and look forward with optimism to the diplomatic sucesses she is poised to achieve. Her journey from a respected legal profession and former First Lady to an Ambassador underscores a commitment to public service that continues to evolve and inspire, particularly the women and the youths.
May this birthday bring her immense joy, good health, and renewed vigour as she prepares to take on the challenges and opportunities of her ambassadorship. Nigerians trust that her tenure in Poland will be marked by significant accomplishments, further enhancing Nigeria’s standards and fostering benefits and relationships.
Indeed,Her Excellency,Barr(Mrs) Chioma Ohakim,mni, embodies the spirit of Nigerian excellence and dedication – and the entire nation watches her with pride.”A golden fish has no hiding place” is popular axiom ; so also has Her Excellency’s exploits continued to radiate across Nigeria.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YOUR EXCELLENCY.
