SPOTLIGHT: The Man Hon. Dr Paschal Obi, His Success Stories and Journey To House of Representative.

By Akwari Chika Onwukwe, Owerri.

I have never seen a perfect human being on earth but have seen a man who is working assiduously to achieve perfection in all his dealings.

Apart from his sound academic credentials, astronomical rise in the public service, Hon. Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi (KSM) “Ugwumsinachi” is always ready to give assistance to any creature that comes his way irrespective of the gender or tribe.

Moreso, becoming a Permanent Secretary and Principal Secretary to the former Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha at a very young age never made him forget his humble beginning, hence the need to remember the downtrodden at all times. These sterling qualities of “Ugwumsinachi” can be likened to that of an enigma whose actions and inactions can rarely be understood by mortals.

Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi was born on the 15th day of July 1970 into the family of Late Chief Edwin Eluwa Obi Mmeje and Lolo Virginia Obi Mmeje (Akwuete) of Umuduruanyanwu Village in Obiohia Autonomous Community of Ideato South Local Government Area, Imo State. He had his primary and Secondary Education at Community School Obiohia and Comprehensive Secondary School Urualla, all in Ideato Nation. His outstanding performance in the 1987 WAEC and JAMB Examinations earned him admission into the then Imo State University now Abia State University where he bagged Doctor of Optometry (O.D) in 1993. After his compulsory one year National Service, Dr. Obi went to King Saud University in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where he lectured for a while under the tutelage of Late Prof. Paul Ogbuehi who was his external examiner when he was graduating from IMSU. When he came back to Nigeria, Ugwumsinachi joined the “Nations leading name in Optics” Niger Optical Services Company (NOSCO) and finally moved to Imo State Ministry of Health Owerri in 1998.

As a lover of education and self development, he enrolled in the school of Post Graduate Studies of the prestigious University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) where he obtained a Masters Degree in Public Health in 2010. Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi rose to become The Acting Director of Public Health and Primary Health Care in the ministry and also the coordinator, National Programme for Prevention of Blindness (Vision 2020). He was also a part-time Lecturer in the faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University Owerri.

In June 2011, The immediate past Executive Governor of Imo State Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha appointed him a permanent Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Governor, a position he held till August 2018.

This seasoned administrator and perfect gentleman has won several awards from different organizations both in Nigeria and Abroad. Recently, the Nigerian Optometric Association gave him a Fellowship Award in recognition of his astute administrative qualities and immense contributions to the association.

Dr. Obi’s total commitment and support to the church also earned him Papal Blessings and he was installed into The Knighthood Order of St. Mulumba in the Catholic faith.

He is a lover of humanity who derives joy in helping others not minding the background or religious affiliations. He created, nurtured and has been funding Equity Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that has touched many lives positively especially in the area of education and human capacity development.

Since 2015, all the Secondary Schools in Ideato Nation both public and private enjoy free holiday lessons during long vacations.

Moreover, fifty five indigent students of Ideato extraction benefit yearly from the Equity Foundation free WAEC registration exercise.

It is on record that Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi out of his magnanimity secured employment for more than hundred people into the public and private sectors. Those in business also benefited through his business support programme.

Interestingly, despite his position and influence in society, Ugwumsinachi is accessible anytime, anywhere, by anybody. On a visit to his house, you can never go empty- handed. It is always his joy to see people happy and succeed in whatever they do in as much as they are on the right track.

Dr Paschal Obi’s ingenuity in handling sensitive issues manifested when he peacefully resolved the Ezeship tussle that would have plunged his community into endless crises. A man of integrity whose erudition rings bell in the society.

He is the Traditional Prime Minister of Obiohia Ancient Kingdom and holds the chieftaincy title of “Ugwumsinachi” of many Autonomous Communities across the state.

DR Paschal Obi with Action Alliance Party Imo State Chapter and National Excos alongside the former Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha.

Based on this tremendous impact on his people, the people of the Federal Constituency beckoned on him to embark on a face saving mission to represent them at the National Assembly. This Clarion Call was positively responded to by Ugwumsinachi. Thus, Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi contested for the Federal House seat for Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency on the platform of The Action Alliance Party which he won on the February 23rd 2019 General Elections.

Dr. Obi married early in life to Hon. Mrs. Jennifer Ifeoma Obi (LSM) a very beautiful and lettered woman who has been a guiding light along his path. Their marriage is worthy of emulation and God in His infinite mercy blessed them with six sound children.

…News Corner.