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Life, according to Allan Bennet, is rather like a tin of sardines, everybody is looking for the key
to unlock it. Bennet, a social crusader may not have had Okems Innocent Okemezie in mind
when he made this postulation.
Okemezie like Bennet said, had already unlocked his own fortune in the United States of
America (USA) when many Nigerians are still struggling with life, and others even battling to
secure visas to travel to the same country in search of greener pastures. Okemezie was in
December 2007 appointed a Commissioner in the City of Newark African Commission. This
position has helped Okemezie to strengthen the ties between Africans in Diaspora and their
roots; and economic, cultural and social links between the African and American communities.
Through his activities, Okemezie has helped to manifest the power, strength, history and
resilience of African people in Diaspora.
Before his emergence, Okems Innocent Okemezie has distinguished himself as a role model
and one that can galvanize the African immigrant population as a support mechanism for
social, political and professional developments of African American youths. As a mobilizer par
excellence, Okems has contributed in no small measure in promoting policies and awareness
of issues concerning the educational, social, economic, political, cultural and general well
being of the rural communities in Africa that is hitherto ravaged by poverty. Okemezie knows
that though it is hard in America, it is even worst in the rural communities of Africa. This is
making him to seek ways to add values to the lives of many in the community.
As a community development resource person with impressive business acumen backed by
his training at the University of Port Harcourt, Okemezie has continued to centre on promoting
life in the community. Okemezie had his high school education at the Saint Saviour`s
Secondary School, Umuaka, Imo State, Nigeria and later, the University of Port Harcourt,
Rivers State, Nigeria where he graduated with honorary degree in History in 1985. In 1987, he
served as the Documentation Officer of the Imo State Library Board, Owerri. With the creation
of the Directorate for Mass Mobilization for Economic Recovery and Social Justice (MAMSER)
in Nigeria, Okemezie was appointed the Mobilization Officer for the former Nkwerre/Isu Local
Government Area in 1988. Okemezie later attended the prestigious Administrative Staff
College of Nigeria where he obtained a certificate in Mass Mobilization. As a Mobilization
Officer, Okemezie brought unequalled dynamism into the activities of the agency so much that
the Nigerian airwaves were inundated with his numerous people-oriented programs and
activities. In 1989, he became the overall Mobilization Officer for Imo State and was later made
the Assistant Director for Monitoring and Evaluation.
A man of great interest in African life, culture and tradition, the Nigerian born social advocate
developed inspiration for the study of African language and culture with particular emphasis
on African traditional institutions. In 1990, he published a book titled “More Than Five
Decades of Reign” of His Royal Majesty, Eze Patrick Ibeakamma Acholonu, Igwe X of Orlu, Isi-
Obi-Ukwugedegwum based on extensive research. The book represents an important step in
the study of African culture and tradition. Okemezie co-founded the Umuaka Community Bank
and served as the company’s secretary. Before he traveled to America on August 20, 1996 for
further studies, Okemezie was in the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the
Deputy Director, Imo State Directorate for Social Mobilization in charge of monitoring and
evaluation. Thus, Okemezie has not only served in government but served at the apex of
government. In 2003, Okemezie attended the University of Medicine and Dentistry, New
Jersey, where he obtained a degree in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Management and was
also awarded a certificate of academic excellence by the School of Health and Related
Professions of the University. In this University, Okemezie received training on the unique
challenges health care delivery face in rural communities. Okemezie worked with the ARC of
the Essex County, and later became the Program Monitor of the Mayor`s Office of Employment
and Training of the City Newark. In its publication of Monday, January 21, 2008 the Nigerian
Daily Champion Newspaper featured Okems Innocent Okemezie as an icon who has positively
impacted on Nigeria and Nigerians. Also, in recognition of his immense contributions towards
selfless and community development, leadership and mobilization, especially in initiating the
City of Newark-Nigeria Sister City Relations, the State of New Jersey General Assembly in a
Resolution on June 11, 2008 paid tribute to Okems Innocent Okemezie for his invaluable
dedication and commitment in bringing about a program that will enhance relationships of both
New Jersey and Nigeria.
Mr. Okemezie is the President/CEO of the Humanity for Africa Foundation, Inc, a not for profit
organization in New Jersey, U.S.A whose core mission is to support and promote community
development through child and adult education in African and American communities.
Okemezie is married with three children.
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