Sir Augustine Onyekachi Wokocha
Sir Augustine Wokocha | |
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| Education | Ph.D degree |
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Sir Augustine Wokocha was born into the family of late Rt. Rev. Mark Egba Wokocha (1889-1979) and late Lucy Ukabunwa Wokocha (1943-2010). His late father was the first indigenous Bishop of the United Native African Church, Rivers State Diocese, (now First African Church Mission), 101, Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Sir Wokocha got married to Cherry Uloma Wokocha on the 16th of February 2001, and they are blessed with a son, Rolando Nnebuogor Wokocha, and a daughter, Audrey Adaeze Wokocha.
Sir A. O. Wokocha’s siblings are Barrister Aduche Ritchard Wokocha, Adanma Ruth Njoku (nee Wokocha), and Olve Agbonma Bruce (nee Wokocha).
Sir Augustine Wokocha is currently a member of the [1], representing Rivers State at the Commission. He has demonstrated equitable representation and fairness in government appointments, promoting unity and inclusivity across the nation.
Augustine Onyekachi Wokocha is a highly accomplished and visionary leader with extensive experience in the political and public administration sphere. With a strong background in geography, regional planning, and disaster risk management, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in driving impactful initiatives for the betterment of society. He was born in Okposi, in present day Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area on August 28th, 1967.
Sir Wokocha possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills, enabling him to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, collaborate effectively, and mobilize support for his initiatives. His passion for continuous learning and growth is evident through his pursuit of advanced degrees, including a Ph.D in Disaster risk reduction|Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies.
Education
Sir, Augustine Onyekachi Wokocha holds a Ph.D degree in Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies from the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, in 2023. He had earlier obtained a Master’s degree in the field of Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies from the Centre of Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies (CDRMDS), [2] in 2018. His first degree was in Geography and Regional Planning from the prestigious University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria in 1991.
Sir Wokocha also has a Certificate in Authentic Leadership Development from the Harvard Business School, Boston MA, USA in August 2013. He had his primary education at State School, Okposi, Rivers State, Nigeria, between 1975 to 1981, while his secondary education was at Baptist High School, Port Harcourt, Nigeria from 1981 to 1986. He also obtained his A-Levels at School of Basic Studies, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, from 1986 to 1987, before he gained admission into the prestigious University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria to study Geography and Regional Planning for his first degree from 1987 to 1991.
Career
Throughout his career, Sir Wokocha has held notable positions of influence and responsibility, showcasing his strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to driving positive change. His experience as a Commissioner in the [3], exemplifies his outstanding management skills, as he successfully managed the privatization and sale of a significant portion of the First Independent Power Company to private investors. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the construction of a 180MW power plant, ensuring its completion within a record time frame, while spearheading the establishment of transmission substations for improved electricity distribution.
Work Experience
Long before he entered politics Sir Wokocha was a dealer representative A.M.E.Wokocha, Ahoada, Nigeria, for Mobil Oil Nig. Plc from 1994 to 1998. Thereafter, from 1998 to 2003 he became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Bishop Oil (an independent oil marketer), Omoku, [4]. And from 2008 to 2015 he was the Chairman, First Independent Power Company. And from 2010 to 2015 he successfully managed the rehabilitation of PHED Network with the construction of 28 number 33/11KV- injection Sub-Stations and over 500 Transformers) and several kilometres of Distribution lines at 33KV and 11KV when he was the Vice Chairman, Rivers Electricity Distribution Committee.
Skills
Hon. (Dr) Augustine Wokocha is skilled in business strategy, especially when in change management. He also has excellent project management skills in customer service, strategic planning in the area of negotiation, entrepreneurship program management, as well as in contract negotiation/consultancy.
Political Activities
Sir Wokocha's achievements extend beyond the energy sector, as he has been actively involved in political activities. He was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria between 2000 and 2004, and successfully served as Member, Rivers State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions from 2003 to 2007. His tenure further showcases his commitment to public service and his ability to navigate complex legislative processes.
In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress Party, (APC) in Nigeria and has remained a committed member ever since. Within these periods Wokcoha served three times as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council in Nigeria from 2008 to 2009, 2009 to 2011, and from 2011 to 20155; same periods he also served as the Hon Commissioner for Power for three consecutive times.
Wokocha, while in saddle as the Commissioner for Power in Rivers State, served as a member and Vice Chairman, Rivers State Electricity Distribution Committee, a position he distinguished himself meritoriously. And from 2022 to May 2023, he was the Rivers State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shetima Grass Root Independent Campaign Council (TSGICC), a political vehicle that worked to produce His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Kashim Shettima Mustapha as the Vice President. He is presently serving the people of Nigeria as the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State at the Federal Character Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
Sir Augustine Onyekachi Wokocha is poised to make further significant contributions to political office and continue serving Nigeria with unwavering dedication, integrity, and visionary leadership.
Core Achievements
His experience as a Commissioner in the Ministry of Power, Rivers State, exemplifies his outstanding management skills, as he successfully managed the privatization and sale of a significant portion of the First Independent Power Company to private investors. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the construction of a 180MW power plant, ensuring its completion within a record time frame, while spearheading the establishment of transmission substations for improved electricity distribution, as well as successfully serving as the Rivers State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shetima Grassroots Independent Campaign Council, now President and Vice President of the [5], respectively.
Sir Wokocha, amongst other achievements, • Successfully managed the Privatization and Sale of 70% of First Independent Power Company to Private investors. • Successfully Managed the construction of 180MW Power Plant within a record time of 24 Months (2010-2012) and initiated the addition of another 180MW at Afam, Rivers State. • Successfully initiated and managed the construction of two transmission Sub-Stations. 2 x 60MVA at Elelenwo with over 30km of double circuit Transmission line (132KV) within 2 years and 2 x 45MVA at Rumuosi, Port Harcourt. • Successfully served as the Rivers State Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shetima Grassroots Independent Campaign Council.
Membership of Professional Bodies Dr Wokocha is a professional member of the following bodies: • Emergency, Crisis, Disaster, Safety, and Risk Management Institute of Nigeria • Ergonomics Society of Nigeria • Past President, Paul Harris Fellow & Major Donor, Rotary International, Omoku Chapter • Institute of Professional Mediators and Negotiators • Work Place Conflict Mediation Training Institute • Port Harcourt Polo Club
Extra-Curricular Activities Beyond his professional endeavors, Sir Wokocha is known for his philanthropic spirit and dedication to community development. As a member of Rotary International, he has played an active role in projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals and communities. Furthermore, his involvement in peace-building initiatives, as a member of the Institute of Professional Mediators and Negotiators and the Workplace Conflict Mediation Training Institute, highlights his commitment to fostering harmony and resolving conflicts. He is also an Ambassador of Peace, UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION.
He is a Justice of Peace, Rivers State of Nigeria. He loves reading, traveling, swimming, photography, and fence mending/conflict mediation.
Publications
2. Examine the Level of Awareness and Knowledge of Fire Disaster Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Among the Commercial and Residential Buildings in South South, Nigeria|South-South Nigeria, in IKOGHO, a multi-disciplinary journal, Vol 21 (2) July-December, 2022.
References
External links
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