By : Ike Philip Abiagom
LAGOS — Pastor Idowu Daniel Chukwudi Okeze, a public servant and community development advocate, has been inducted into the Igbuzo Think Tank, a distinguished body of accomplished indigenes committed to advancing the development and collective interests of Igbuzo, Delta State.
The induction ceremony, held at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos State, was performed by the Chairman of the Igbuzo Think Tank, Deacon Mike Mbadiwe Mornu.
Operating under the mantra, “Igbuzo First,” the Think Tank brings together individuals with diverse professional backgrounds and a shared commitment to generating innovative ideas, promoting responsible leadership and advancing initiatives that will contribute to the sustainable development of the community.
Okeze’s induction is seen as a recognition of his contributions to Igbuzo and his longstanding involvement in initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare and the welfare of residents.
His admission into the body also adds to the growing number of professionals, public servants and community development advocates contributing their expertise to the collective vision of the Think Tank.
Born on February 15, 1973, in Umuosodi, Umueze, Ibusa, to the family of the late Obi Nwaokocha Joseph Okeze, Pastor Okeze has distinguished himself through a combination of public service, professional excellence and community development advocacy.
He received his primary education at Ashafa Primary School, Lagos State, and attended Onipetesi High School, Agege, before completing his secondary education at St. Thomas Ibusa.
During his time at St. Thomas, he served as Senior Prefect and was recognised as the best-behaved student in his class in 1990.
He obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Accounting from the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, before proceeding to Nasarawa State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Accounting and Taxation.
Okeze began his career in the Nigerian Civil Service on June 15, 1994, with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as an Audit Assistant.
In the course of his career, he served in several states, including Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Jigawa, where he undertook various responsibilities, including serving as State Internal Auditor.
He is currently on pool posting to the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, where he serves as Director of Procurement.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Okeze has remained actively involved in community development initiatives in Ibusa.
His interventions have been associated with projects and programmes covering road construction, town hall development, healthcare facilities, school renovations and the provision of educational infrastructure.
His community engagements have also included empowerment programmes involving financial and material assistance, as well as the provision of tricycles and motorcycles to beneficiaries to support economic activities and improve livelihoods.
The Igbuzo Think Tank is expected to leverage the experience, expertise and diverse professional backgrounds of its members to develop practical ideas and initiatives that address the needs of the community.
Okeze’s background in accounting, taxation and public administration is expected to bring valuable perspectives to discussions on governance, development planning, accountability and community advancement.
A committed family man, Pastor Okeze is married to Deacon Doris Gloria Efe Okeze, a chartered accountant, and they are blessed with children.
His philosophy of life emphasises justice as the foundation of lasting peace, maintaining that sustainable community development requires fairness, collective responsibility and the commitment of both leaders and citizens to the common good.
The induction ceremony attracted members of the Igbuzo Think Tank, prominent sons and daughters of Igbuzo, and other distinguished guests.
Pastor Okeze was accompanied to the event by his wife, and dignitaries like Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Oshimili North Local Government Council Chairman, High Chief Austin Izagbo, Ide Igbuzo; the Oshimili North APC Chairman, Hon. Austin Nnabuife; Onowu Kizito Ijeh, Dr. Pat Adigwe; and other dignitaries.
THINK TANK’S FOUNDING MEMBERS, NEW INDUCTEES
The Igbuzo Think Tank has continued to draw on the experience and contributions of its founding members, while expanding its membership to accommodate new professionals and community leaders.
The founding members include Dr. Austin N. Izagbo, inaugural chairman from 2014 to 2019; Sir Henry Onyemem, chairman from 2019 to 2024; and Deacon Mike Mbadiwe Mornu, chairman from 2024 to date.
Other founding members are Mike Ajikwu, Dame Winifred Akpani, Frank Nwabudike, Dr. Nosike Agokei, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba (Rtd.), Dr. Ike Nwabuoku, Emma Amatokwu Kwasa, the late Chief Francis Nwabueze, Engr. Anthony Nwadei, Sir Osita Nwadei, Dr. Austin Obidi, Zik Zulu Okafor, Chike Okonji, Enyi Phil Okonkwo, Anthony Only and Anthony Uwajeh.
The newly inducted members are Charles Ike Egbunonwo, Dr. Fidelis Elikwu, Anne Ifeoma Ighade, Engr. Muanya E. Mogekwu, Eugene Mornu, Chukwudi Elvis Okonji, Frank Isioma Okafor, Pastor Idowu Daniel Chukwudi Okeze, Engr. Daniel Izuka Okolo, Felicia Uchechukwu Omare and Dr. Edwin Ugoh.
The induction is expected to further strengthen the Think Tank’s collective efforts to promote the interests of Igbuzo, encourage intellectual engagement and inspire a new generation of thinkers, leaders and change-makers committed to the community’s future.