Celebrating Ojeozi Imo, Ethelbert Okere @ 62

April 28, 2021

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By Nnanna Okere
To the rest of the world and Nigerians in particular, Dr Ethelbert Okere, Director General, Imo State Orientation Agency (ISOA), is a renowned journalist, prolific writer and author of several books, and rated among the top ranking public affairs analysts in Nigeria today, but before he committed to a life dedicated to finding solution to Nigeria’s problems, through his writings as a journalist and author, he is my brother.

He has been the pathfinder and pacesetter of the family. As the eldest of the family which in Igbo tradition is no small responsibility he had carried this tradition with equanimity and grace. He had met the huge expectations placed on his shoulders and surpassed it. He did not only chart his path in life he also guided my own path helping in making me who I am today. Aside God, the one who ordered our steps and leads us to the path of our destiny, it is my brother who saw a path in journalism and showed me the way

.He brought me to Lagos after my secondary education preparatory to enter university. That was during the build-up to the 1993 presidential campaign between Late Chief MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alhaji Bashir Tofa of National Republican Convention (NRC). Alhaji Tofa had nominated Dr. Sylvester Ugo from Imo State as his running mate (vice presidential candidate) and consequently Dr. Ugo appointed Dede as his chief press secretary and media aide. Dede had promised to send me to US to further my education if they win the election. Unfortunately, the election was annulled and my dream of going to America was dashed. In the alternatively, my brother got me a job in Champion Newspapers Ltd through his friend Mr. EmekaOmeihe as Office Assistant.

First I was posted to the Features Desk under Mr. Andy Ike Ezeani, where I meet erudite journalists and writers like Emma Agu, Emeka Omeihe, Ibe Njoku, Nwabueze Njoku, Andy Ike Ezeani, Nkechi Nwankwo , Ugo Onuoha, OkeyEkeocha, Declan Emelumba Mbadiwe, Ray Echebiri, Wole Elegbede, Dele Banjoko, Paul Bassey, Moses Akaigwe, Emma Anyanwu, Alvan Ewuzie, Simon Ibe, Fred Chukwuelobe, Dan Onwukwe, Oluchi Okemiri, Rose Moses,Victoria Ibanga, Cordelia Onu, Modestus Chukwulaka, Chris Okereafor ,Ben Alozie, Joe Ehizode, George Aluo, Oguwike Nwachukwu, ChukwuemekaOkoro, Justus Nwakama, Remmy Nwaeke, Cosmos Ekpunobi, AchilleusUchegbu, Malachy Uzendu , Lere Ojedokun,, Abiodun Adelaja, Clement Nwoji, Ndidi Okafor, Ifeanyi Uhuegbu, Chinwe Maduagwu, KelechiOgbamgba and so many others.

Few months later, I was transferred to Editor’s Office under Emeka Omeihe. It was while working in Champion Newspapers that I became interested in journalism. Working in editor’s office was so challenging and exciting. In short what Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was to late Head of State General Sani Abachawas what I was to Emeka Omeihe as most reporters were coming to me for one favour or the other.

I recall one incident that happened when I was at the editor’s office, the then General Manger Marketing one Alhaji Ashiru had put a phone across to the editor’s line and as office assistant I had to pick the call and introduced myself as the office assistant he said, “You are not the office assistant but rather a messenger”. I was sad that I was doing the job of a messenger. When I got home I told my brother what happened and he told me that the essence of sending me to a media house was to prepare me for the future and that it was better to havethat kind of media expose than going to do a remedial programme in aPolytechnic or so. According to him, in the media one could meet people who are educated and knowledgeable that would be of help in future.

Interestingly, I left when I got admission into the university and after graduationI went ahead to do a post graduate diploma in Journalism. I came back to Champion Newspapers’ Ltd and I was offered an automatic employment as a reporter with options to choose between working in Lagos or Abuja. I had to choose the later having established and served as National Youth Corp member at the National Assembly Abuja. I worked briefly at Champion Newspapers Ltd Abuja bureau before I travelled abroad for further studies.

Today, that vision has been paying me tremendously. The experiences I garnered while in Champion and the contacts have influenced my growth tremendously. Champion Newspapers has produced many great writers and journalists and they are doing well in their various endeavours. Since the return of democratic rule in 1999 there is no government in Imo State that you will not see Champion Newspaper products being appointed in strategic positions. In the present administration of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, we have Declan Emelumba Mbadiwe as Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Oguwike Nwachukwu as Media Adviser and Chief Press Secretary and Evangelist Ethelbert Okere, Director General, Imo State Orientation Agency (ISOA) respectively.

My elder brother over the years as I watched him had been visionary, with the ability to see the big picture of where the family and the country is headed. He has also been inspirational and maintains yet realistic presence in our family, helping family members to stay motivated. He has on several occasions’demonstrated empathy, engaging in active listening, and building meaningful working relationships within our family and beyond.

My brother has not only been a blessing to our family, but has also extended labour of love to others who are in need. With his little resources, he has helped many people educationally and financially within the family circle and in the community. He has empowered so many people since he came into politics through jobs and appointments.

He has been a devout Catholic, an Evangelist for that matter and strong believer in God Almighty. Dede, having you as brother is a phenomenal privilege andhonour that I shall forever be grateful for. Dear brother, I hope as you go through life always remembering that our love for you will forever be imperishable. I am who I am today because I have a precious brother like you.

My Dede, as you celebrate your birthday, on behalf of my big brothers, sistersand the descendants of Celestine and Cecilia Okere , it is our prayers that God Almighty will continue to protect, preserve, and prosper you with good health and give you peace, IJN, Amen!