In a move highlighting his commitment to merit, unity and diversity, Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman, has re-appointed Mr. Moses Azubuike Okezie-Okafor, as the Director-General for Research and Development in Kogi State.
Okezie-Okafor, who hails from Anambra State, has a distinguished track record in this position. First appointed in 2016 by former Governor Yahaya Bello and reappointed in 2020, he is the pioneer and sole occupant of the role to date.
This ‘third-term’ appointment by Ododo marks another recognition of his competency and reflects the governor’s pan-Nigerian outlook. Ododo, who assumed office on January 27, continues to prioritize talent and exceptional performance as part of his efforts to build cooperation and integration within Kogi State and beyond.
“I am deeply humbled by this reappointment and the continued trust placed in me by the governors and people of Kogi State,” stated Okezie-Okafor.
“My focus remains on delivering my assignment with maximum excellence, especially driving research and development initiatives that decisively address the state’s challenges and help to unlock her multidimensional potential for accelerated and sustainable growth.”
Former Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chief Uche Nworah, described the appointment as a watermark of quality leadership traits on two excellent gentlemen.
Okezie-Okafor brings 23 years of post-call legal experience to the table, along with extensive expertise in leadership, governance, policy, research, strategy, diversity management, interfaith relations, conflict resolution and peace building.
His commitment to excellence is evidenced by fellowships in prestigious institutions such as the Kogi State Polytechnic (FKSP), the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (FICMC), and the Institute of Corporate Administration (FICA).
As a stalwart of the ruling APC, he has also played crucial roles in national politics, serving as the Director of Policy, Research, and Strategy for the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation in 2022, the Head of Administration for the National Youth Mobilization Directorate of the Tinubu-Shettima PCC in 2023 and simultaneously as a member of the Research, Policy & Strategy Directorate of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.
