Ike Nwachukwu
Encyclopedia
Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (born September 1, 1940) is a retired Army officer and Nigeria
n politician who, among other positions, has served as Foreign Minister of Nigeria
twice and as a Senator
in the National Assembly delegation
from Abia State
.
father and an Hausa
-Fulani
mother, Nwachukwu had his early education at the Ladi-Lak Institute, Yaba, Lagos, and Lagos City College, also in Yaba, Lagos. He obtained military training at the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna
, at the Royal Canadian School of Infantry, and at the School of Infantry
, Warminster
, United Kingdom. He also studied at the Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo
, Italy, the United Nations Peace Academy, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru
, Plateau State
.
Ike Nwachukwu rose to the rank of Major General prior to his retirement with the Nigerian Army.
(now Abia State University
) in Uturu
to its permanent site. From 1986 to 1987 he was Minister for Employment, Labour and Productivity, where he founded the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to alleviate the problems of unemployment, especially graduate unemployment.
Nwachukwu was Minister of Foreign Affairs
from December 1987 to December 1989, when he was replaced by Rilwanu Lukman
, returning to a field military command position. In September 1990 he was re-appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, being replaced in January 1993 by Matthew Mbu
during the transition to civilian rule. He was active and effective as Foreign Minister, taking a mercantilist approach to diplomacy.
Council of Ministers, plenary sessions of the Non-Aligned Movement
, and the Governing Council of the African Regional Labour Administration Center.
and chairing United Nations special sessions on varying subjects, leading the Organization of African Unity Ministerial Delegation to the Conference for Democratisation of South Africa, leading Nigeria’s negotiations for Agenda 21
and the convention at the Earth Summit
in Rio de Janeiro
, Brazil.
senator, Nwachukwu served as Chairman of two senate committees, the Senate Committee on Power and Steel and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.
, the Forces Service Star, the Defence Service Star, the Nigeria Republic Medal, the National Service Medal
, and the order of Commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR).
, former Governor of Imo State, on the occasion of the state's Silver Jubilee
.
, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
(GCMG), awarded by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
, and the Commander of the Order of Mono (COM) from Gnassingbé Eyadéma
, President of Togo.
Nigeria
Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
n politician who, among other positions, has served as Foreign Minister of Nigeria
Foreign Minister of Nigeria
The Nigerian foreign ministry is a statutory body created to handle the external push of Nigeria's domestic vision and ideals; it is headed by the Foreign Minister of Nigeria. As of late its mission has geared towards increasing awareness about Nigeria's economic potential...
twice and as a Senator
Senate of Nigeria
The Senate is the upper house of the National Assembly of Nigeria. It consists of 109 senators: the 36 states are divided in 3 senatorial districts each electing one senator; the Federal Capital Territory elects only one senator....
in the National Assembly delegation
Nigerian National Assembly delegation from Abia
The Nigerian National Assembly delegation from Abia comprises three Senators representing Abia-Central, Abia-South, and Abia-North, and eight Representatives representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South, Bende, Isuikwato/Umunneochi, Arochukwu/Ohafia, Aba North/South, Ukwa East/Ukwa West, Isiala Ngwa...
from Abia State
Abia State
Abia State is a state in southeastern Nigeria. The capital is Umuahia, although the major commercial city is Aba, formerly a British colonial government outpost. The state was created in 1991 from part of Imo State and its citizens are predominantly Igbo people...
.
Education and training
Born on September 1, 1941 in Port Harcourt to an IgboIgbo people
Igbo people, also referred to as the Ibo, Ebo, Eboans or Heebo are an ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria. They speak Igbo, which includes various Igboid languages and dialects; today, a majority of them speak English alongside Igbo as a result of British colonialism...
father and an Hausa
Hausa people
The Hausa are one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. They are a Sahelian people chiefly located in northern Nigeria and southeastern Niger, but having significant numbers living in regions of Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Chad and Sudan...
-Fulani
Fula people
Fula people or Fulani or Fulbe are an ethnic group spread over many countries, predominantly in West Africa, but found also in Central Africa and Sudanese North Africa...
mother, Nwachukwu had his early education at the Ladi-Lak Institute, Yaba, Lagos, and Lagos City College, also in Yaba, Lagos. He obtained military training at the Nigerian Military Training College, Kaduna
Kaduna
Kaduna is the state capital of Kaduna State in north-central Nigeria. The city, located on the Kaduna River, is a trade center and a major transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural areas with its rail and road junction. The population of Kaduna is at 760,084 as of the 2006 Nigerian census...
, at the Royal Canadian School of Infantry, and at the School of Infantry
School of Infantry
A School of Infantry provides training in weapons and infantry tactics to infantrymen of a nation's military forces.Schools of infantry include: Australia*Australian Army - School of Infantry, Lone Pine Barracks at Singleton, NSW. France...
, Warminster
Warminster
Warminster is a town in western Wiltshire, England, by-passed by the A36, and near Frome and Westbury. It has a population of about 17,000. The River Were runs through the town and can be seen running through the middle of the town park. The Minster Church of St Denys sits on the River Were...
, United Kingdom. He also studied at the Institute of Humanitarian Law, San Remo
Sanremo
Sanremo or San Remo is a city with about 57,000 inhabitants on the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy. Founded in Roman times, the city is best known as a tourist destination on the Italian Riviera. It hosts numerous cultural events, such as the Sanremo Music Festival...
, Italy, the United Nations Peace Academy, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru
Kuru, Nigeria
Kuru is located on the Jos Plateau in north-central Nigeria commonly referred as the middle belt region of Nigeria. Located about 20 km to Jos on the Jos-Abuja highway in Plateau State...
, Plateau State
Plateau State
Plateau State is the twelfth largest state of Nigeria, and is roughly located in the center of the country. It is geographically unique in Nigeria because its boundaries totally surround the Jos Plateau, having the Jos Plateau totally in its central and northern part...
.
Ike Nwachukwu rose to the rank of Major General prior to his retirement with the Nigerian Army.
Career
Nwachukwu held the position of Military Governor of Imo State, where he moved Imo State UniversityImo State University
The Imo State University in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria was established in 1981 through law No. 4 passed by the Imo State House of Assembly.The university admitted the first intake of 392 pioneer students on October 23, 1981....
(now Abia State University
Abia State University
Abia State University is one of the state owned universities in Nigeria. These state academic institutions were created to expand admissions and bring professional skills, expertise and modern research facilities close to the city and rural dwellers; and have helped talented students to obtain...
) in Uturu
Uturu
Uturu is a town in Abia State, Nigeria mainly known as a location for several educational institutions and the Marist Brothers community.Schools in Uturu include Abia State University, Marist Brothers' Juniorate, Uturu, and Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu....
to its permanent site. From 1986 to 1987 he was Minister for Employment, Labour and Productivity, where he founded the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to alleviate the problems of unemployment, especially graduate unemployment.
Nwachukwu was Minister of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Minister of Nigeria
The Nigerian foreign ministry is a statutory body created to handle the external push of Nigeria's domestic vision and ideals; it is headed by the Foreign Minister of Nigeria. As of late its mission has geared towards increasing awareness about Nigeria's economic potential...
from December 1987 to December 1989, when he was replaced by Rilwanu Lukman
Rilwanu Lukman
Rilwanu Lukman is a Nigerian engineer who held several ministerial positions in the Nigerian Federal government before becoming Secretary General of OPEC from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2000...
, returning to a field military command position. In September 1990 he was re-appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, being replaced in January 1993 by Matthew Mbu
Matthew Mbu
Matthew Tawo Mbu is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, diplomat, and a permanent fixture in Nigerian political affairs for more than fifty years...
during the transition to civilian rule. He was active and effective as Foreign Minister, taking a mercantilist approach to diplomacy.
Chairmanships
Among the organizations and groups Nwachukwu has served as the chairman of are the Organization of African Unity Liberty Committee, the Organization of African Unity Council of Ministers (three terms), the Economic Community of West African StatesEconomic Community of West African States
The Economic Community of West African States is a regional group of fifteen West African countries. Founded on 28 May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos, its mission is to promote economic integration across the region....
Council of Ministers, plenary sessions of the Non-Aligned Movement
Non-Aligned Movement
The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states considering themselves not aligned formally with or against any major power bloc. As of 2011, the movement had 120 members and 17 observer countries...
, and the Governing Council of the African Regional Labour Administration Center.
Delegations led
Nwachukwu has headed and led several delegations to various international summits and negotiations, and obtained resolutions from the United Nations on behalf of Nigeria. Some of them include: addressing the United Nations General AssemblyUnited Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
and chairing United Nations special sessions on varying subjects, leading the Organization of African Unity Ministerial Delegation to the Conference for Democratisation of South Africa, leading Nigeria’s negotiations for Agenda 21
Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is an action plan of the United Nations related to sustainable development and was an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992...
and the convention at the Earth Summit
Earth Summit
The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development , also known as the Rio Summit, Rio Conference, Earth Summit was a major United Nations conference held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 June to 14 June 1992.-Overview:...
in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, Brazil.
Senate
As an Abia StateAbia State
Abia State is a state in southeastern Nigeria. The capital is Umuahia, although the major commercial city is Aba, formerly a British colonial government outpost. The state was created in 1991 from part of Imo State and its citizens are predominantly Igbo people...
senator, Nwachukwu served as Chairman of two senate committees, the Senate Committee on Power and Steel and the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs.
Honors and awards
Nwachukwu was conferred with several medals and decorations whilst in military service, as well as traditional titles in his present status as a civilian.Decorations and service medals
Nwachukwu's national decorations and service medals include: the Nigerian Independence MedalNigerian Independence Medal
The Nigerian Independence Medal was authorised by Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of the granting of independence to Nigeria to give recognition to individuals of the Royal Nigerian Military Forces, Royal Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Police Force serving on the 1 October 1960 and to members of...
, the Forces Service Star, the Defence Service Star, the Nigeria Republic Medal, the National Service Medal
National Service Medal
The Norwegian National Service Medal is awarded upon completion of mandatory military service .The medal exists in four versions, one for each branch of service ....
, and the order of Commander, Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR).
National merit awards
Nwachukwu has been awarded three national merit awards. They are the Special Certificate of Merit of the African Youth Congress, the Award of Recognition of the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN), and the Merit Award by Achike UdenwaAchike Udenwa
Achike Udenwa born 1948 was the governor of Imo State in Nigeria. He became governor after winning the election in 1999. Udenwa won re-election in 2003, and his term ended on 29 May 2007....
, former Governor of Imo State, on the occasion of the state's Silver Jubilee
Silver Jubilee
A Silver Jubilee is a celebration held to mark a 25th anniversary. The anniversary celebrations can be of a wedding anniversary, ruling anniversary or anything that has completed a 25 year mark...
.
International awards
Nwachukwu has been conferred with several international medals and awards, which include the Grand Commander of Equatorial Guinea, presented by the President of Equatorial Guinea, the Federal Republic of Germany's Grand Cross of Merit (GMCS), the Grand Master of the National Order of the Southern Cross (GMSC), from the President of Brazil, the Diplomatic Medal (DMM) from the President of the South Korea, the Grand Cruz de la Order dei Merito Civil de Espana (GCMC), by King Juan Carlos I of SpainJuan Carlos I of Spain
Juan Carlos I |Italy]]) is the reigning King of Spain.On 22 November 1975, two days after the death of General Francisco Franco, Juan Carlos was designated king according to the law of succession promulgated by Franco. Spain had no monarch for 38 years in 1969 when Franco named Juan Carlos as the...
, the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
Order of St Michael and St George
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is an order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later George IV of the United Kingdom, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, George III....
(GCMG), awarded by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
, and the Commander of the Order of Mono (COM) from Gnassingbé Eyadéma
Gnassingbé Eyadéma
General Gnassingbé Eyadéma , was the President of Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005. He participated in two successful military coups, in January 1963 and January 1967, and became President on April 14, 1967...
, President of Togo.