Ugorji Okechuwu Ugorji
Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji is a Nigerian politician, academic, author, and publisher. He is the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs in Imo State, and the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Homeland Security and Intelligence. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress.
Ugorji was born in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. He obtained a master's degree in Homeland Security from the George Washington University in May 2019. He also obtained a Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision in 1994, and Certified Public Manager Studies in 1989–1990, at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He obtained a Master of Arts in Counseling and Personnel Services in 1989, a Bachelor of Science in biology in 1987, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 1986, at Trenton State College, in Ewing Township, New Jersey. He completed a graduate internship Programme at the Office of Career Services at Princeton University in 1988–1989.
Career
Ugorji is the founder and publisher of Sungai Books, a publishing company based in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. He has written and published books on Nigerian politics, international relations, and African-American culture. He is also the executive director of the African Writers Endowment, a non-profit organization that promotes African literature and culture.
Politics
Ugorji joined politics in 1998, when he contested for the governorship of Imo State under the banner of the United Nigeria Congress Party. He later joined the APC and became an ally of Governor Uzodimma. In 2020, he was appointed as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Homeland Security and Intelligence, and in 2021, he was also made the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs. He is responsible for overseeing the security and safety of the state, as well as coordinating the activities of the vigilante groups.
Selected bibliography
I saw the sky fall.Sunrise daughters: A global portrait of Igbo women Tall Drums: Portraits of Nigerians who are changing America The Crow Bride and other Torti tales Securing the Homeland.ILU: African Proverbs in Igbo, with English Translations.She is Eternal and Other Poems.From the belly of the Gods: An African mythology The Adventures of Torti: Tales from West Africa
Personal life
Ugorji is married to Uchenna Kate Ugorji, a pediatrician and public health expert. They have six children and reside in Owerri, Imo State.