By Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp
There is a saying that great leaders inspire greatness in others. They don’t just chart a course; they build the vessel and guide us through the storm. In celebrating such a leader, we honour the strength, vision, and dedication that make the journey possible.
It is in this line that today, the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) stands united in jubilation as we honour the remarkable life and achievements of our esteemed president, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni. Today, 24th of June 2024 marks another milestone in the life of a man whose dedication, integrity, and unparalleled contributions have left an indelible mark on our association and our nation.
Ambassador Okafor mni, a paragon of excellence and a beacon of leadership, has dedicated his life to the service of our country, enhancing national development, and fostering peace and security.
His leadership has been instrumental in guiding AANI to new heights over the past year, and his life’s work is an eloquent testimony to his unwavering commitment to the greater good of humanity towards a better society.
Born in Enugu, Enugu State, and hailing from Awka town, Anambra State, Ambassador Okafor mni’s journey of excellence began at Methodist College Uzuakoli and Christ the King College Onitsha, present day Anambra State. He furthered his education at the University of Ife, Ike-Ife, and the University of Lagos, where he honed the skills that would propel him to a distinguished career in diplomacy.
His illustrious career saw him serve in Nigerian diplomatic missions across the globe, including the Netherlands and Argentina, with concurrent accreditations to Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations in New York.
His expertise and dedication earned him global recognition as Nigeria’s expert and Focal Person on Counterterrorism and Peace Building issues at the United Nations. His contributions to international peace and security are celebrated worldwide, particularly his coordination of the first United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Workshop for West Africa and the Sahel in Abuja in 2013.
Throughout his career, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni, has attended numerous professional courses and conferences both locally and internationally, denoting his commitment to continuous learning and global collaboration. His participation in significant conferences, such as the international conference on National and Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Bogota, Colombia, and the conference on “Engaging Partners for Capacity Building: United Nations collaboration with Counter-Terrorism Centres” in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further buttress his pivotal role in shaping global counter-terrorism strategies.
Our President’s dedication to service extends beyond his career and diplomatic endeavours. He is a Knight of Saint Paul (KSP) of the Anglican Communion, a chartered member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), a member of the IBB Golf Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) of the Rotary Club International. Each of these roles reflects his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, community service, and personal excellence towards a better society.
Therefore, as we celebrate our esteemed President’s birthday anniversary, AANI not only honour his achievements and contributions, but also express our deepest gratitude for his leadership and vision that is propelling our association to greater heights. AANI is proud to note that his life is a shining example of what it means to serve with honour, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Happy Birthday, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor mni Sir! May your legacy continue to inspire and may your contributions to our nation and the world be celebrated for generations to come.
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra fnarc FIOARM fspsp, Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, is AANI National Publicity Secretary
