Amb George Obiozor emerges Igbo leader

Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Professor George Achulike Obiozor has emerged new President-General of the Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo. He succeeds Nnia Nwodo.

Obiozor scored 304 votes to beat two other contestants to emerge the winner in an election held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.

Among Igbo leaders present at the election were Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Labour Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige and others.

But reports said the other candidates boycotted the poll, describing it as fraudulent.

Obiozor’s election was done with delegates from the five core Igbo states in the Southeast and others from Delta and Rivers states queueing behind him in turns. In November, Imo state adopted him as consensus candidate.

Obiozor, 78, is a professor of political science and former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States between 2004 and 2008.

Obiozor studied at the Institute of African Studies, and Albert Schweitzer College.

He graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 1969, and from Columbia University with a Ph.D. in International Relations.

He was also between 1999 to 2003 Ambassador of Nigeria to the State of Israel, and high commissioner to the republic of Cyprus.

He was a senior Research Fellow at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and became the Director-General of the Institute.

Professor Obiozor was born on August 15th, 1942 in Awo-Omamma, Oru East local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. Obiozor is a renowned academic in the area of International Relations and he has carved a niche for himself in that discipline.

Obiozor had his education at Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary School from 1959 to 1963. He attended the Institute of African Studies Geneva Switzerland in 1967 where he obtained a Diploma. He studied at the University of South Tacoma Washington USA for his B.A.(Hons) Political Science in 1968, Columbia University New York where he obtained an  M.A in International Law and Organisation, an M. Phil in International Affairs in 1974 and finally a Doctorate in International Affairs in 1976.

While in the academia, Prof Obiozor has been a lecturer at the Pratt Institute, New York City, from 1971—1975, Assistant professor political science City University of New York Medgar Evers College, 1975—1979. and Ralph Bunche Research Fellow in United Nations City University of New York Graduate Center, 1977—1978.

Her serves as the Chairman at AiQ Capital Management Limited and was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to United States of America from 2004 to 2008. Prior to this, he was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the State of Israel, and High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus between 1999-2003.

From 1964 to 2003, Prof. Obiozor held many important positions in Nigerian government and academia including Senior Research Fellow at Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and Director-General of Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (1991-1999). Prof. Obiozor has written many books and articles on Nigeria’s foreign policy, international affairs, and diplomatic politicking. His vast experience and profound knowledge in diplomacy has become a great asset in rebuilding Nigerian image and the relationship with America.