Victor Ochei
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Victor Ochei | |
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Onyekachi | |
![]() Ochei getting prepared for a courtesy call | |
Personal details | |
Born | kano State, Nigeria | 25 February 1969
Nationality | Nigerian |
Political party | Party (Nigeria) |
Alma mater | University of Benin Chemical Engineering |
Website | www.victorochei.ng |
Victor Ochei is a former Nigerian Member of the House of Assembly from Ogbekenu Delta State, he was elected as a Speaker for Delta State House of Assembly, on 6 June 2011 and as the representative of Aniocha North constituency[1] marking the commencement of the Fifth Assembly of the Delta State Legislature. He held the position of Primus Interpares of the Delta State Assembly for a period of 2 years 9 months before his voluntary resignation on 18 March 2014.
Early life and education[edit]
Ochei Victor Onyekachi was born on February 25, 1996 in Kano and hails from Onicha Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.[2] Young Ochei attended Methodist Primary School and St. Thomas Secondary School respectively in Kano. He later proceeded to the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Benin City, and graduated with a bachelor's degree (B.Sc.), in Chemical Engineering after which he went for the mandatory National Youth Service at Ondo State.
Victor went on to bag a Master of Science degree in Corporate Governance from Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
In quest for knowledge, Victor Ochei obtained certificates in Good Governance, Effective Legislating and Improving Secondary School Education from the famous Oxford University, University of California and the prestigious Harvard Graduate School of Education, respectively. He obtained a Law Degree (LL.B) from the Delta State University (DELSU). He also earned the MBA degree in 1996.[3][4]
Private Enterprise[edit]
Victor Ochei is an advocate of entrepreneurial skills and endeavours. He relocated to Asaba, the fledgling capital of Delta State, where he made his first foray into business by printing calendars and other memorabilia.[5] Despite the challenges of entrepreneurs in Nigeria, Victor ventured fully into self-employment by founding DavNotch Nigeria Limited, within a fourteen year-span, the company grew and currently has more than 250 direct staff, including foreign experts of various competencies. The company is reputed to be one of the leading indigenous engineering firms in Nigeria.
Political career[edit]
On the political terrain, Victor vied for a seat in power and in 2003, he emerged the representative of Aniocha North Constituency and later, Deputy Minority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, on the platform of the United Nigerian People's Party, UNPP; a position held till 2006. In his second bid for elective office, he opted for the People's Democratic Party, (PDP), and got re-elected on the party's platform into the State Legislature. He became Chairman of the House Committee on Education till the end of the Fourth Assembly of the Delta State Legislature. He contested in the 26 April 2011 election and was re-elected into the State legislature for a third term. He was elected by his colleagues as Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.
Career[edit]
Ochei was the Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly DTHA, having served for 2 years and 9 months (6 June 2011 to 18 March 2014) - the longest serving Speaker in the History of the Delta State Assembly. As a member of the house, he has been elected 3 times as the representative of Aniocha North constituency.[6][7][8]
Professional Affiliations[edit]
Outside his academic and political achievements, Ochei has also earned the Fellowship of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (FNSE), for his contributions to the practice and development of engineering in the country. By that singular attainment in 2011, he became, at 42, the youngest Nigerian to earn the prestigious fellowship. He is also a Fellow, Institute of African Studies (F.I.A.S), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.[9]
Awards[edit]
Victor Ochei is an advocate of the maxim that views hard work and discipline as the key ingredients of success, his signature slogan is, "Hardwork is the basic foundation for ensuring enduring success".[10] Victor Ochei is the recipient of a plethora of awards, notable among which are Awards of Excellence from organizations like the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and an "Award of Merit" presented by the Interparty Advisory Council of Nigeria (Delta State Chapter). In terms of achievements as State Assembly Speaker, Victor Ochei is the longest serving and arguably the most effective Speaker in the history of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA).
He has received awards for his exemplary service from organizations like Anioma Trends - Legislator of the year 2011/2012, Warri Development Platform - Best Speaker in Nigeria, Exceptional International Magazine - Exceptional Speaker of the year, and was nominated for State Assembly Speaker of the Year 2013 for the Nigerian Legislative Excellence Awards.[11]
Despite being the Aniocha North Representative and an active member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, who is a graduate of Chemical Engineering, still pursues excellence in the engineering discipline by helping to uphold the standards of the profession. This was recognized during the 2011 National Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting at Tinapa Business Resort, Calabar, where he was awarded the distinguished Fellow Nigerian Society of Engineers award (FNSE),
making him the youngest Nigerian engineer to attain such an award.[12]
Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei is also recognized for his educational achievements, with special focus on inspiring and equipping young people with the tools of success. Some of the awards received in this category include; National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS) – Meritorious Service Award, Delta State University (Oleh Campus) – Award of Excellence, Fellowship of The Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
[13] and finally, the Worldwide Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), which was presented at the 41st Founder’s Day Anniversary.[14] As a young man himself, who has played a pivotal role in youth development at both grass root and national levels, he has received an award for excellence by the Ogwashi-Uku Youth Development Association, voted Patron of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (Delta State), and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Wheelchair Basketball Federation (NWBF).[15] Being a firm advocate of the protection against human rights violations and the propagation of the African Culture, Victor Ochei is also the proud recipient of awards like the Promotion of the Rule of Law and Human Rights Award presented by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Custodian of Culture Award (Dance Nigeria Consult), Gentleman Saint (De Saints International), Golden Voice Award (Delta Project Movement), Growth and Development of the Anioma People Award (Anioma Congress), Ambassadors’ Award for Outstanding Performance (Ogwashi – Uku Cultural Organization) and the Niger Delta Achievers’ Merit Award.
Philanthropy and other Pursuits[edit]
Hon. Victor Onyekachi Ochei is a consummate philanthropist with bias for human capital development as the veritable tool for societal progress. He borrowed this from his late father's view that education, is "…the only legacy worth bequeathing".
A renowned sports fan and sponsor, Victor is also acknowledged as a reputable community leader. As a sports fan and sponsor, Victor is a patron of the highly successful Nigerian Wheelchair Basketball Federation and Chairman, Delta State Wrestling Association. By his devotion to the Nigerian Wheelchair Basketball Federation, he has revolutionized sports for the physically-challenged and given them a positive new sense of belonging. He has equally sponsored at great personal expense, many meets involving the physically-challenged in the country.
As a lawmaker in the African scratchers, Victor has earned the support and adoration of his constituents as made manifest by his successful election, as the representative of the Aniocha North Constituency, for three consecutive terms.[16]
In community service, Victor is a major donor to the Rotary International and strong member of the De Saints International Club, an NGO with a passion for the less privileged. He believes that it is when people are sufficiently empowered, that they contribute positively to development of the society.[17]
His spirit of public service also culminated in his founding of the VICTOR OCHEI FOUNDATION, a Non-Governmental Organisation, which provides succour to the people in Aniocha North Constituency through affordable transportation, small and medium scale investments and a commitment to affordable education. This has led to instituting various scholarship schemes to cater for brilliant but indigent students at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
Philanthropic and Social[edit]
- Donation of brand new buses to all the secondary schools in Aniocha North LGA.
- Donation of books to schools in Aniocha North.
- Donation of books to Delta State University, Abraka.[18]
- Award of scholarship, assistance to indigent students and exceptionally brilliant students in payment of school and examination fees, including related educational expenses through the Victor Ochei Foundation.
- Award of scholarship up to university level to Miss Christabel Ogbeide who came third in the first edition of the Delta State Spelling Bee Competition, initiated by his amiable wife, Mrs. Hanatu Ochei.
- Proposed modern lecture theatre at the Oleh Campus of Delta State University. The architectural plan for the gigantic project is ready.
- Institution of awards for the 10 best graduating students from Ten Departments of the Federal College of Education, Asaba, which will run throughout his lifetime.
- Financial Empowerment of the best investigative reporter in Delta State as a way of encouraging in depth investigative journalism.
- Sponsorship of inter-school debate among secondary schools under the platform of the De Saints International Club, an international philanthropic organisation. The project seeks to promote scholarship and help students to improve their spoken English.[19]
- Thousands of Aniocha North and South indigenes and beyond, have immensely benefited from Victor through private/government job placements and direct political appointments.
- Civil contractors/service providers from Aniocha North and beyond, have greatly benefited from government and personal patronages made possible by Victor Ochei.
Education - Based Constituency Projects[edit]
During his three (3) consecutive tenures as the Representative of the Aniocha North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei has spearheaded many Educational and Infrastructural Development projects within the constituency. Most notable amongst these projects is the renovation, modernization and the provision of educational aids for 19 Basic, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions in Aniocha North Constituency.[20]
Road Infrastructure Projects[edit]
- Issele Uku - Issele Mkpitime - OnichaOlona Road.
- OnichaOlona - Atuma - Otulu Road.
- Issele Uku - Idumu Ogo – Obomkpa Road.
- The Aniocha Ring Road.
Other Constituency/State-based Projects[edit]
- Issele Uku viewing centre
- Financial empowerment of over 1000 women from Aniocha North, to assist them in setting up small businesses.[21]
- Replicating same financial empowerment to more than 12 thousand women from the remaining 24 LGAs in Delta State.
- Government Hospital, Onicha Olona.
- Onicha Ugbo viewing centre.
- Issele-Uku Fire Station.
- Onicha Olona Street light (PHCN/Solar).
- Issele Uku street light (Solar)
- Aniofu street light (Solar)
- High Court, Issele Uku.
- Massive reconstruction/renovation of the Delta State House of Assembly Complex and adding of new structures.
Hon Victor O. Ochei, who reflects the truism of his baptismal name, is also recognized and celebrated traditionally as the Olikeze of Onicha-Olona, the Ihaza of Onicha Ugbo and the Onyeze of Umuebu.
References[edit]
- ^ Vanguardngr (14 January 2014). "Delta 2015: Yes, I support power shift — Ochei". Vanguardngr. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
- ^ MSN News (2 August 2014). "Victor Ochei tourney set for Lagos". MSN News. Retrieved 2 August 2014.[permanent dead link]
- ^ thetimesofnigeria (10 March 2014). "Delta Speaker, Victor Ochei, Escapes Bomb Blast". thetimesofnigeria. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
- ^ The Pointer Newspaper (10 March 2014). "Victor Ochei: A Blend Of Intellect And Service". The Pointer Newspaper. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ The Pointer Newspaper (4 November 2014). "Victor Ochei: A Blend Of Intellect And Service". The Pointer Newspaper. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ dailyindependentnig (23 December 2013). "Emulating Victor Ochei". dailyindependentnig. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
- ^ thenigerianvoice (6 August 2011). "Delta Assembly elects Victor Ochei as Speaker, Ganagana Returns as Deputy". thenigerianvoice. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
- ^ The Pointer Newspaper (4 March 2014). "When Hon Ochei Bagged NSE's Professional Fellowship Award". The Pointer Newspaper. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Hon. Victor Ochei Answers Questions from Facebook Fans. YouTube.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Welcome to Olikeze Forum: RT HON VICTOR OCHEI BEING DECORATED AS A FELLOW OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS". Welcome to Olikeze Forum. 22 March 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ http://www.deltafrontiers.com/dtfrontiers/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21%3Adelta-speaker-advocates-state-police&catid=6%3Apress-release&Itemid=22&tmpl=component&type=raw[dead link]
- ^ "Ochei Honoured With UNIBEN's Most Distinguished Alumnus Award". The Pointer News Online. 28 November 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ Ikeji, Linda (24 March 2014). "Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball 2014 Ends in Grand Style | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog". Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball 2014 Ends in Grand Style | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ TheEagleOnline (14 January 2014). "Ochei: Attaining heights from a humble beginning". TheEagleOnline. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ TheGazelleNews (14 January 2014). "Delta Assembly Speaker, Victor Ochei's Passion For Charity And Good Governance". TheGazelleNews. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- ^ "Ochei: Manifesting courage and confidence". Vanguard News. 24 October 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
- ^ http://deltastateassembly.gov.ng/ochei-enduring-footsteps-of-an-unusual-philanthropist/[dead link]
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ flashpointnews (8 April 2013). "Rt. Hon. Victor Onyekachi Ochei, FNSE, Speaker, DTHA, Empowers Women of Aniocha North (Special Feature)". Flash Point News. Retrieved 3 July 2020.