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Tag: Jerry Chukwueke

  • Chukwueke: Spirituality and humanitarian gestures

    Chukwueke: Spirituality and humanitarian gestures

    •Reasons for embarking on 2024 Christmas palliatives to women and indigents across Imo State

    By Sir Amby Uneze

    Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, marked by various traditions and acts of kindness across the globe. It is also a season of showing empathy on the people especially women and the indigent ones in the society. Due to the moral undertones attached to it, a prominent and compassionate member of the society in Imo State, Chief Jerry Chukwueke (popularly known as Ohamadike, The Geat Mobilizer) took the State by storm and distributed Christmas Palliatives to the people.

    While others who engage in  palliative distributions would attached political gains to their actions, it is important to draw attention the motives of Chukwueke which were purely based on spirituality and humanitarian gestures. In this regard, his particular intention was to enhance the wellbeing  of the vulnerable communities.

    Therefore, the role of spirituality during Christmas is fundamentally a Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which embodies values such as love, generosity, and compassion. These values foster a sense of community and encourage acts of kindness toward the less fortunate. Spirituality during this period acts as a guiding force, enabling individuals and organisations to focus on sharing resources and uplifting those in need.

    Jerry Chukwueke’s initiatives resonate with the essence of Christmas by emphasising love and care for the less privileged, showcasing how spirituality can translate into impactful actions that benefit the wider community. This initiative indicates that spiritual values strongly influence communal life and humanitarian gestures, especially during festive seasons.

    The distribution of palliatives directly addresses the needs of women and the indigent population in Imo State, who often face economic challenges exacerbated during the festive season. Therefore, initiatives like the ones undertaken by Chukwueke are critical for empowering women and alleviating the plights of the indigent people.

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    The practical impact of Chukwueke’s Christmas palliatives are profound. By focusing on women and indigents, and bringing together over 5000 of them that benefitted from the gesture expresses the desire to give hope to the less privileged in the society. The palliatives included food supplies (rice), financial aid, and health services, which are essential for improving quality of life. No doubt, palliatives serve as a crucial buffer for those at risk of falling deeper into poverty.

    Empowering women through support can lead to improved family welfare and community resilience. Studies have shown that when women have access to resources, they are more likely to invest in their children’s education and healthcare, driving positive changes throughout their communities. In that case, Chukwueke’s initiatives not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering sustainable development in Imo State.

    The ceremony which spanned for about three weeks on daily basis took him and his entourage to many communities in the State, including the Catholic dioceses of Ahiara, Orlu and the grand finale took place at Owerri Archdiocese premise. The finest moment was that it was a non-denominational activity that brought all people of diverse religious groups together.

    The most interesting and emulating aspect of the events are the smooth and orderly strong floor management applied that made the whole episodes peaceful and organized, having security of the lives of the beneficiaries at heart.

    In his short messages at every point, Chief Jerry Chukwueke encouraged the people to continue to have faith in the government of the day and never to lose hope with the current situation of things in the country.

    He opined that the reforms that are going on in the country today would surely lead to a lasting economic greatness, and likened the scenario to that of a great farmer who plants seeds, water them and waiting patiently for it to germinate and at the end he happily harvests his bountiful fruits. He also enjoined the people of the State to continue to support the administration of the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma in his efforts to reposition the State better. He added that the governor “is doing well and needs all the support to succeed citing example with the Egbu-Mbaise-Umuahia dual carriage road which has reduced dreadlocks and crimes on the axis during this yuletide.”

    The Provincial President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria, Hon. Placidus Onyedikachi Chijioke thanked Chief Jerry Chukwueke for remembering the Laity and starting with Owerri Province where he came from, he opined that every beneficiary was carefully selected and also seen as the most vulnerable.

    He assured their guest (Chukwueke) of making sure the story of his benevolence is heard in all parts of the Catholic community in Nigeria.

    Leaders from Owerri Archdiocese and that of the Orlu and Okigwe dioceses, in their separate speeches expressed satisfaction with the organization of the program and tagged it as the most peaceful and well planned events.

    Also touched by the love of empathy shown by Chief Chukwueke, Rev. Fr. Lacerian Iwu, the Cathedral Financial Administrator of Ahiara diocese, prayed for him and blessed the items before effective and efficient sharing begun without rancour or stampede. The most significant milestone achieved in this initiative was the quiet and peaceful scene devoid of stampede and other unpalatable stories that were associated with huge gatherings of crowd in sharing of palliatives across the country. Chukwueke applied wisdom, security intelligence and strong tool management techniques to ensure hitch-free programme.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed happiness and prayed to God to continue to bless Chief Chukwueke in his endeavours as the highlight featured prayer section by the beneficiaries on the sponsor of the programme. Based on the excellent arrangements put up by the organizers, there were encomiums showered on  Chukwueke by the beneficiaries and the the Church leaders. To this end, Chukwueke has scored high points in the management of people which he is used to that long ago earned him the title of ‘the great Mobilizer’.

    Having successfully concluded a statewide palliative programme, Chukwueke commenced the sponsorship of some communities in the State for the enrollment of the State Health Insurance Scheme which began from his Awaka-Ihitteogada clan in Owerri North Local Government.

    He eulogized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodinma for the community health insurance scheme initiatives. Over 5000 residents of his clan are benefiting from this health insurance scheme. Chukwueke also promised to enlist another set of 5000 beneficiaries from across the State into the health insurance initiative. This is indeed a marvelous gesture that needs to be commended holistically.

    This separate occasion had the presence of the Imo State Health  Commissioner, Dr. Prosper Success Ohayagha who assured the Awaka-Ihitteogada community leaders that the State government would take urgent steps to rehabilitate the moribund Awaka Healthcare Centre.

    “This insurance scheme for Awaka and Ihitte Ogada communities means that your people will access free medical treatment from the premium your son, Chief Jerry Chukwueke will pay.”

    In his remarks, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary of IMSHIS thanked Chief Chukwueke for his bold initiative to help his people access free healthcare. “This act of kindness,” he said, “is the best thing anyone can give to his people. The most significant advantage is that community members will have access to free healthcare services, eliminating the financial burden of medical expenses and hardship. The residue effect is an improved health outcomes, reduced morbidity and mortality rates.”

    Chief Jerry Chukwueke, said that he  decided to embark on this project as a sacrifice and to share with others God’s blessings and grace upon his family. The innate desire to touch people’s lives, he said, is a family trait that is in tandem with the just concluded statewide palliative program  for women and indigent families.

    He further said that for the cynics, everything must not be viewed in the cynical lens of politicking “because real hard earned personal resources are involved, and the desire to touch people’s lives and make a difference is real,” saying  “God gave his best and all to redeem mankind and we are today the apostles of the great commission to reach out and touch the lives of the least of our brothers and sisters amongst us. He used the opportunity to appeal to men and women with the means and capacity to do the same for their communities and, by doing so, reduces the burden on the governor and the governed.

    Making his vote of thanks, Justice Paschal Nnadi, Retired Chief Judge of the State who will  oversee the enrollment of residents of the clan into the health insurance scheme, expressed the gratitude of the people of Awaka ancient kingdom to one of their illustrious sons for his act of benevolence and generosity to their people and the good people of Imo State. He prayed for divine guidance, protection,  sustenance, and grace to continue his good works.

    The efforts made by Chukwueke in Imo State exemplify how spiritual values can catalyse meaningful actions that uplift women and the indigent population. By recognising the needs of these groups and responding with acts of kindness, he not only addresses immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term empowerment and development.

  • Blending education with intellectual and leadership skills: The Jerry Chukwueke’s approach

    Blending education with intellectual and leadership skills: The Jerry Chukwueke’s approach

    • By Amby Uneze KSJI

    “The society today is full of divergent individuals with different upbringing and training. Some individuals acquire natural intelligence to move up in life, others get theirs through association and long period of copying and practicing, while a few are fortunate to go through education, where intelligence and leadership skills are taught and practiced. For the later category, they are not tired in going further to get the best in order to impart their knowledge to the overall benefit of the larger society.

    However, the few people that fall in that category are not easy to come by, that is why, good leadership remains the bane of some third world countries including Nigeria from developing. Sometimes though, such personalities who can be referred to as scholars and geniuses usually are not given the opportunity to manage the resources on behalf of their people. It is not rocket science that America, Europe, Canada and other developed economies are doing well because they put their best in the position of leadership. I believe that when someone invests resources to acquire the requisite skills of leadership through continuous education in ivy league and world acclaimed institutions coupled with wide experience in the successful management of corporate entities and human beings, such a person is well positioned to lead a society aright.

    In pursuit of acquiring these ingredients of quality leadership, Chief Jerry Chukwueke (Ohamadike Owerre) recently championed Global CEO-Africa Executive Leadership Programme at the Lagos Business School (LBS), where he actively participated as a lead scholar, alongside other Africa top chief executives  that drive their country’s economy and intra Africa trade. The essence of that executive leadership training was majorly to apply leadership skills to drive success in business, public entities, governance, etc, as well as schooled deeply in the principle of overcoming barriers in leadership challenges and providing solutions.

    Appreciating his experience at LBS, Jerry Chukwueke pondered “I’m very grateful to Lagos Business School. This is the first module for us and our cohort will move on to Yale University, USA in September and then to Strathmore Business School in Nairobi.” He described his sojourn as a great experience, adding that learning demands sharpening of ones leadership skills, knowledge and all other aspects of importance in achieving success.

    In continuation of that executive leadership module, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is currently under-studying the principle of leadership in corporate world, governance, world affairs, reaching out to expand his global network and  attract interest in potential foreign investment, building trust and confidence, and successfully overcoming challenges of under-development, etc.

    It is no wonder, Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld has this to say about one of his Nigerian students at Yale  School of Management, in US, CHIEF JERRY CHUKWUEKE (Ohamadike), in an autograph he signed, thus: “Gerald is a brilliant leader who is revered by colleagues and constituents.”

    This scheme is synonymous with JEFFREY SONNENFELD, Yale School of Management Professor, the President of Yale Chief Executive Leadership Institute, Coordinating Chairman CEOs of America and an informal advisor to five US Presidents.

    Jerry Chukwueke’s colleagues in the executive training programme believe that the future no doubt belongs to those who made adequate preparations for it.

    To further appreciate the credentials of this American icon who has testified of the great potential inherent in Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Sonnenfeld had advised the White House, U.S. State Department, U.S. Treasury Department, and Council of Economic Advisers on Russian economic sanctions and business retreats and BusinessWeek listed him as one of the world’s 10 most influential business school professors and Directorship magazine has listed him among the 100 most influential figures in corporate governance. He is also the first academician to have rung the opening bells of both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Exchange having done so ten times.

    Chief Jerry Chukwueke while answering questions on why he embarks on this journey for further studies on leadership and governance including establishing relationships with world leaders as such, he says “we need to access the opportunities out there for our people to overcome poverty through direct foreign investments, grants, even as we take  diplomatic advantage. Our target is to link up with people who can help the image of our country by way of contacts and potential foreign investment.

    “This is beyond the politics of our people, it is about getting the right foreign contacts  and demonstrating our own confidence to invest in our economy. When they know you by way of trust and you are involved in driving the seat of governance, they would be ready to overlook some political risks because of the confidence they have build on the person.”

    Honestly, in a normal setting, it is not out of place for those who want to engage in leadership and governance, be it in the corporate world, personal business or public office to learn the ropes and acquire the required credentials to man such positions. In Nigeria, we are used to the fire brigade approach where governance and leadership are given on the basis of man-know-man, god-fatherism, and financial backup (money politics). No wonder, someone who suddenly finds himself in the position of leadership and governance does whatever he likes without solving the immediate and longtime needs of the people.

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    Therefore, Chief Jerry Chukwueke has through his penchant for further learning on leadership and governance, building trust and confidence of the world leaders shown the way to go as a leader who is desirous to change the narrative of our situation. By equipping himself with these skills, he is good to go and definitely the relationship and trust he has built while engaging the likes of Professors Sonnenfeld and Benedict Orama, President/Chairman of Afreximbank would for sure make a way for him for the benefit of our people.

    Concisely, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is a key founder of the Lekki Mega City through his Germane Group (the fastest growing megacity in West Africa) alongside Chevron Nigeria and HFP (Victoria Garden City Developer). This outstanding personality was in 1984 voted the most likely to Succeed Student at Morgan State University, Boltimore Graduate School in USA. Also he emerged as top 100 black owned businesses in America in 1990 (Friendship Ford/Mercury), Culpeper Virginia, Black Enterprises Magazine, Founding Director of Food Concept Nigeria Limited (Owners of Chicken Republic, and Free Rang Farms). He is visionary, courageous, bold and transformative.

    Chief Jerry Chukwueke has strong political experience. In 2007, he was a concensus candidate for governor for Owerri zone,  the zone that is favoured by the Imo Charter of Equity to produce the Governor of Imo State by 2027. He was a Vice presidential candidate of APGA in 2019. Jerry Chukwueke is popularly called in Imo State “the Great Mobilizer.” He was also a Chief Technical Adviser on New Imo project in 2023 to the government of Imo State as well as a Director, Campaign Organization of Governor Hope Uzodimma re-election.

    Each time you engage with him you hear his favorite word ‘transformation, transformation, and transformation. Jerry Chukwueke is out to engage in the transformation of our economy, be it in the State or at the national level.