By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
One of the illustrious sons of Imo State honoured with an award of the Most Outstanding Promoter of the Media by the Nigerian Horn Group of Newspapers at the South East Media Summit and Awards held in Owerri, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, was no less a personality than Johnpaul Ochemba, JP (Asi Na Obughi Chineke).
Proactive, articulate, outspoken, and an unrepentant advocate of social welfare and community development; the Ntueke- Ideato born business titan, philanthropist, and respected community leader, Johnpaul Ochemba’s unwavering commitment to human capital building, rural development, youth empowernment, selfless community service and poverty alleviation resonate in his concerted efforts, contributions and sacrifices towards ensuring that lives are transformed, development permeates and spreads throughout the communities in Ideato nation in his personal capacity as a critical stakeholder and strategic leader.
His rare leadership style of service to God and humanity, and contributions towards societal development through many interventions in the health sector, education sector, sports and youth development which has distinguished him as one of the emerging progressive Imo leaders with a penchant for inclusive governance and radical development.
The energetic; youthful and useful business maverick, Johnpaul Ochemba, JP, at different fora had severally emphasized the importance of government at all levels to focus on youths’ skills development which is essential for addressing unemployment, promoting entreprenurship, and fostering inclusive growth in society. At the South East Media Summit and Awards in Owerri, he also reemphasized this when he urged media practitioners and news reporters in the state to go for periodic trainings to properly equip themselves for robust engagement and healthy competition in their field. He did not stop at just giving the practitioners a piece of advice, but also backed up his words with action by donating huge sums of money while pledging to pay for an office space; an ICT centre, and furnish same with modern computers.
Judging by his bouyant heart for charity and love for humanity, it is therefore, not out of place to say that Johnpaul Ochemba is a dangerous giver and uncommon philantropist from whose heart flows with the milk of human kindness. Johnpaul Ochemba JP (Asi Na Obughi Chineke) has given an impressive account of his stewardship in selfless community services with his rare leadership style of service to God and humanity.
A Peace Ambassador who has devouted his life, and committed his personal resources in serving his community. He has contributed significantly in sustaining the lasting peace in Ideato South as he maintains the police, the youth wings and communal vigilantes. He also comes to their aid whenever they run short of supply of men and materials to effectively carry out their official duties.
Notedly, Johnpaul Ochemba gave out food palliative during the Covid-19 pandemic, mobilized the youths who stopped the aggressive damaging mobs approaching Mgbe during the Endsars era, and supported a number of widows and less privileged whom God has laid in his heart to assist.
A friend of the Church, a friend of the old and young, a friend of religious leaders and traditional rulers. These rare leadership attributes have earned him accolades and avalanche of awards; including induction into Ideato Hall of Fame and Award of Excellence; Excellence Award from International Human Rights Commission (IHRC); Award from South East Leadership Forum. Penultimate weekend, Northern Youth Association of Nigeria conferred on him the Sir Ahmadu Bello Distinquished Leadership Award, he also received the Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe Prestigious Award from the Eastern Youth Association.
Johnpaul Ochemba, JP (Asi Na Obughi Chineke), is a distinquished Imo leader, a progressive, a true Nigerian patriot , and one who has come to be part of the socio-economic and political resurgence of the Ideato Nation nay Imo State.