Dr Oscar Ugoh, one of the most renowned Nigerians in Ghana’s polity has been nominated for an award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Africa, a pan-continental arm of the global NIDCOM which is an institution of the Federal Government of Nigeria established to support the nation’s citizens domiciled abroad, protect their interests and mobilize their material and intellectual resources for the nation’s growth and development. Dr Ugoh is also to be inducted into the Africa Hall of Fame.
The nomination results from the recommendations of members of the NIDO Ghana chapter in which Dr Ugoh has played a pivotal role, as a senior executive towards restructuring the chapter and revitalizing it to unleash the energies of its members for the greater good of Nigeria’s good reputation and the actual socio-economic growth and development of the country. This is of utmost importance for both Nigeria itself, and their host country Ghana, since there are more Nigerians domiciled in Ghana than in any other country around the entire world.
Dr Ugoh, is a Lawyer, , Publisher, businessman and politician who holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in conflict resolution, peace and security, Masters in Peace, Security and Intelligence as well. Hailing from Abia State, he has been domiciled in Ghana since 1998, publishing the influential BusinessWeek newspaper and Corporate Guardian – a monthly business and economy focused magazine – for over two decades. In response to a directive from the NIDO Africa secretariat in Abuja, he has spent the last few years, re-organizing the Ghana chapter and thus making it bigger and better run, with a consequent strong impact on its stakeholders and hosts.
Dr Ugoh’s nomination for both his award and induction into the Hall of Fame were contained in a letter signed by the NIDO Africa’s Continental Chairman, Professor Jude Osakwe, Chief Emmanuel Turner, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Hall of Fame Awards and Reverend Dr Ebenezer Alabi, Vice Chairman, External Affairs.
The letter asserted that “This accolade is not just a testament to your hard work and dedication, it also signifies the respect and admiration you have garnered from Nigerians in your chapter. Your chapter representatives have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment to making a positive impact and this nomination is a reflection of their belief.”
In their letter, the NIDO Africa chieftains added that “ It is important to note that this recognition comes with significant responsibility. Being a recipient of this award means embracing a role of servitude, where you will inspire others and lead by example. We are confident that your exemplary track record will serve as a guiding light for future generations.”
The award ceremony, along with the Hall of Fame induction, will take place on the 20th of December 2024 at the Raw Material Research Council in Maitama, Abuja.
As an award recipient, Dr Ugoh will have his name inscribed on marble and placed on the wall of one of the national institutions in Nigeria. His name will also be on the online digital wall of NIDO Africa’s internet presence as well as being published in three national newspapers in Nigeria as an honour for his “immense contributions.”
Dr Ugoh has since accepted his nomination.
Instructively Dr Ugoh is also the Vice President for West Africa of the Pan African Business Forum, a continent-wide grouping of like-minded, entrepreneurs, business managers, investors, statesmen, public officials, diplomats, academics and civil society influencers, who are working together to support Africa’s ongoing socio-economic renaissance. His latest initiative is a pan West African public policy think tank, named Colloquium House, and designed after the famed London, United Kingdom based Chatham House.