Chief Jim Okolo: Meet Nigerian Pro-democracy Activist, Driving Frontiers For Electoral Integrity Across Nations

Hailing from Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Dr. Chief Jim Okolo Chimezie is a nationalist, nation builder, humanitarian, philanthropist and vocal advocate for excellent leadership.

He is a renowned businessman and a very influential player in the nation’s oil and gas industry as the MD/CEO of Jimez Petroleum Resources Ltd.

He is also the Chief Executive Officer of Jim Mezie Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to promotion of growth and development of less privileged members of the society. Hon. Okolo contested for the Senatorial post in 2019 Election in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

Having had a stint in the political terrain, he is of firm belief that the only way to recruit excellent leadership in our communities, institutions, nations and everywhere is through a flawless electoral process devoid of interference and human manipulations.

This is why Dr. Chimezie, who was born in Makurdi Benue State North Central Nigeria, schooled at Government College Makurdi has joined in the campaign to strengthen electoral management bodies across the world to exercise an independence that will bring about good governance to the people.

A Graduate of Geology and Mining from Enugu State University, the young and vibrant young man who then served his father land through the compulsory National Youth Service scheme in Jos, Plateau State under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has in recent times been touring nations on electoral observation mission.

This follows his appointment as the National Coordinator and special envoy of Nouvelle Perspective, a partner organisation with United Nations as international election observer. Since then, he has been touring nations, participating as international accredited observer.

He is currently in Washington, United States where be is to participate as one of the international observers in the November 5 election between the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris and her rival, the former US President Donald Trump who is running under Republican.

A lover of human capacity building who has invested so much in raising others, he has embarked in self development trainings within and outside Nigeria. Among his qualifications at the professional level is Professional Diploma in Health, Safety and Environment (NIPS) Port-Hacourt. He is a member of many professional bodies which include Nigeria Institute of Management, Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorations, American Association of Petroleum Geologist, OSH Association United Kingdom among others.

Hon. Dr. Jim has not only worked in private sector, but has made a significant impact even in the public sector. He has worked with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs (OSSAP-MDGs) and was also the Project Geologist with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

A man of strong character, bridge builder and a wise investor, Hon. Dr. (Chief) Jim Okolo Chimezie wields enviable track record of integrity whose philanthropic lifestyle have endeared to many within and outside Nigeria.

He exemplifies diligence, commitment to noble course firm advocacy for excellent service delivery and good governance. He a campaigner for peaceful co-existence among the Nigerian ethnic and religious divides and a strong supporter of one united African continent.

He has served communities and humans selflessly at various capacities. In recognition of his immense contribution to community development, the people of Ibagwa Nike in Enugu State, conferred on him the prestigious Chieftaincy title of Eze – Ugo 1 of Ibagwa.

He holds the honour of Doctors of Philosophy Degree in Humanitarian Management (Ph.D Honourary) of Freedom University and Theological Seminary USA – African Campus, Honourary Doctorate Degree of Science (D.Sc) by European – American University IPSA SCIENTIA POTESTAS EST and Honourary Decorate of Strategic Management and Leadership Development by Learn to Live Business School, United Kingdom (LLBSUK).

Top among Hon. Dr. (Chief) Jim Okolo’s executive technical appointments include, Coordinator West Africa, Global Migration Research Institute, (GMRI) Maryland, USA and Universal Migration Enlightenment Centre (UMEC), Member Governing Board of Bridet University Mbaise Imo State, Consult University of Nigeria — as a Business Development Consultant of UNN Consult, Lead Consultant of the Economic, Trade and Investment to the Turkish Embassy, Ankara Turkey among others.

Impressively, Dr. Okolo obtained a professional post graduate diploma in Electoral Monitoring and Evaluation course organized by the University of Lome in partnership with the AU and the UN.

Among several other honours, he holds the OSH Association Fellowship Award –United Kingdom, Rotary International Highest Title – Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Award, Rotary Club of Abuja – Asokoro Diamond –Humanitarian Service Award, Ambassadorial Award of Excellence by United Business Women Association of Nigeria and Diaspora, Africa Youth Peace Assembly personality of the year Award, Icon of Peace and Societal Transformation – from African Youth Assembly (AYPA), Methodist Church of Nigeria CMCL – Excellent Award and Meritorious Award on Philanthropic strides, charismatic leadership and dedicated focus on Youth Development – Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Alumni Association.