The question is not strange but seems to generate a convoluted twist in the mind of many.
In this era of heightened celebrity-dom, there’s a fascination with discovering the authentic persons behind the media-space-crafted personas.
So, who is Jude Ejiogu, and what constitutes the currency of his personality. The striker above gives an idea. Jude Ejiogu is not only brilliant and high-achieving; he is also passionate and focused on delivering results. Although the name “Jude Ejiogu” remains a heavy aplomb and a domesticated pronouncement in Imo State political firmament, but some people are yet to fall into the reality of the truth of the moment.
I’ve heard people from different walks of life, ages, and demographics, especially professionals giving an inferential perspective on Jude Ejiogu. Some describe him as an administrative scion , while others say he is an eclectic humanity and a technocrat with adventurous exceptionality.
Some still ask, Who is Jude Ejiogu?”
Sir Jude Ejiogu was born into the family of renowned community leader and teacher Chief Alfred Ejiogu of Umuakuru Emekuku in Owerri North LGA of Imo state.
He attended Emekuku High School owerri-North LGA, where he obtained the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1975. He proceeded to the United States of America in 1977 to further his academic pursuit, and in 1980, he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Monetary Economics from the legendary Lincoln University Missouri United States of America. Sir Jude Ejiogu went to further his academic quest by enrolling in the University of St. Thomas Houston, Texas, where he obtained a Masters degree in business administration majoring in finance in 1982.
His professional banking career started in 1980 with the Texas Investment Bank NA Houston Texas as a senior Loan/Credit officer attached to the international division.
In 1982, Sir Jude Ejiogu, having spent several years in the United States of America and away from his fatherland, decided to return to Nigeria to serve his people. He joined the Progress Bank of Nigeria Plc, where he rose to the position of Senior Manager in charge of Enugu zone. He later joined the Hallmark Bank plc as pioneer staff to set up bank operations in 1990. Hardwork, diligence and commitment to duties propelled him to the position of Acting Managing Director of the Bank.
Sir Jude Ejiogu is also a fellow of several professional bodies, which include to mention but a few:
a) Institute of Corporate Management of Nigeria
b) Nigerian Institute of Management
c) Nigerian Institute of Bankers
d) American Society for Industrial Safety.
Jude Ejiogu is the chairman of some reputable companies in the world, which include:
Chairman/ Managing Director Armouguards Ltd
e) Chairma/ Managing Director Biarritz International Corporation Houston Texas, USA.
f) Chairman/ Managing Director Jurine Investments Ltd.
Sir Jude has held other critical positions in the government of His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha (OON), which include:
a) Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
b) Chairman/Chief Executive Imo State Board of Internal Revenue.
c) Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Imo state.
d) Past Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Imo state, Nigeria.
e) Chief of Staff, Imo state Government of Nigeria and Commissioner for Special Duties. The above positions were crowned with monumental achievements of this honourable gentleman.
As a good Christian, Jude Ejiogu is happily married to Mrs Ngozi Ejiogu (LLB), and the marriage is blessed with children.
Beyond this, many people , both young and old, want to know the secret behind the visible aspects of his personal brand – the big eyes behind the glasses, the passionate and emphatic style, the rigorous yet simple communication that demystifies and humanizes difficult political concepts.
Many political pundits have severally described the Emekuku-born banker and administrator as a pragmatist, a magnet that moves both friends and foes into his enchanting orbit, a man whose flame and fame continues to illuminate. A man fiercely and unapologetically devoted to the socialpolitical growth and development of our dear Imo; a shrewd and excellent politician, indeed one of the best human managers of our time .
Jude Ejiogu is a man who has all his life displayed vigour without vanity, strength without insolence and courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of a natural leader without its vices. Some say he is a pan- Nigerian, a true nationalist and political strategist of no mean standing. But in all, he has proven to be a man of immense political sagacity.
Jude Ejiogu is not just a formidable technocrat and professional; he is also one of the realest and kindest people on the planet.
Indeed, “Jude Ejiogu ” is not just only a name but a brand that gives fascination and glitter to Imo concept.
The evidence of his positive influence can be seen in the documented facts of his transformative contributions during the cumulative eight years administration of the Rescue Mision government in the state. The positive impact of the policies and programs he helped conceptualized and implemented, the projects he led, and the initiatives he inspired are still felt in the state leadership and political parameters. The reforms and institutions he midwifed and supervised remain pillars of prosperity in the state political history.
Even now, in less prosperous times, they serve as bulwarks without which things would have been much worse. Jude Ejiogu was in the forefront of the fomer administration implementing wide-ranging reforms that restructured the state economy as a viable and productive component of the global economy, harnessed hidden strengths, recharged the private sector and restructured the public sector for better performance.
As we stand at the crossroads of time, reflecting on the remarkable journey that has brought us to this juncture, it is important we ponder and also reflect on the strength of few individuals we think that can consolidate and redirect the political fortunes of our dear state. Those whose impact will continue to resonate across generations, whose ideas and endeavours have stood the test of time, and whose unyielding determination has sculpted the landscape of our progress. Now, knowing a little who Jude Ejiogu is, gives us the consolation that, indeed, the man is destined for achieving greater exploits for ndimo.
