As part of efforts to combat insecurity, Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has announced the creation of the Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs (MHSVA), and appointed Dr. Ugorji Ugorji as Commissioner for the ministry.
The announcement of the new ministry was made on Tuesday by the state governor during the reconstitution of the state cabinet and the swearing-in of 18 new commissioners who are mainly technocrats.
Dr. Ugorji Ugorji is a security analyst and global affairs scholar with expertise in human capital development and homeland security.
He had earned four university degrees by the age of 29– two bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and a doctorate. His doctorate is in Educational Leadership and Administration from Rutgers University, New Jersey.
He also bagged a second Master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has over 35 years of experience in public administration at local, state, national, direction, and international levels.
He was appointed the first-ever special adviser on Homeland Security and Intelligence for the state by Uzodimma in January 2021.
In his speech, Ugorji, expressed gratitude as he assured of tackling insecurity to transform Imo State into the peaceful state it used to be.
He said: “First, I have no words that are adequate to express my gratitude to Governor Uzodimma. No matter how skilled or talented one is, it would amount to very little if one does not get opportunities to use or demonstrate them. The governor has given me a chance not just to serve in his Shared Prosperity Government, but also to make a difference in the lives of the citizenry of Imo State. I shall not fail him or my beloved people of Imo State.
“Governor Hope Uzodimma’s choice to stand with our people in facing down the sponsored and orchestrated challenges of insecurity in the state and his great strides in that arena speak loudly for his character.”
“Further, there can be no greater appraisal of my team’s performance in the last 12 months than the creation of the ministry. We now have the historic and exciting task of building a new ministry at the direction of Governor Uzodimma. A ministry we hope will streamline security efforts in the state and become a model for the rest of the country.
“I say thank you, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. My commitment is to help many others stand as well.”