Okechukwu Abrose Ahiwe, popularly known as Okey Ahiwe was born some 57 years ago, in Umuire Village, Eziama Ntigha Autonomous Community of Isiala-Ngwa North LGA, Abia State. Following his basic education in Ntigha and Umuahia respectively, he obtained his first degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos and his M.Sc. in the same discipline at Abia State University. He has participated in various executive courses, international trainings, conferences, workshops and peer-review programs in his pursuit of knowledge and quest to consolidate his competences in applied areas of administration, project management, business development, financial management, quality assurance, leadership development and alternative dispute resolution.
Widely admired across political divides, Chief Ahiwe’s popularity is anchored on his amiable reputation as a strong believer in the strength of human diversity, and his well-known proficiency in harmonization of competing interests especially in the political arena. His mantra is leadership through service – serving with the confidence of a leader and leading with the humility of a servant.
As a successful entrepreneur, his accomplishments are evident in the topnotch profiles of his companies, Ambrokah Investments Ltd and Powertrim Nigeria Limited which have become front liners in the maritime sub-sector of the oil and gas industry, supporting major multinational oil firms with wide-ranging services, including cathodic protection of oil pipelines onshore and offshore.
Chief Okey Ahiwe is endowed with an unusual tolerance quotient which sees him socialize freely irrespective of class without compromising standards. He is a practical example that one does not have to sit on a high horse to portray high standards. From his Umuire Village to the most expensive cities of the world as a well-travelled person, he has often demonstrated a unique accommodating spirit, listening ears and the dignifying composure of a servant-leader. His footprints in support of community development initiatives, including rehabilitation of schools, road construction, education support and cultural renaissance are simply indelible.
An astute politician, Chief Ahiwe is a champion of politics without bitterness whose loyalty to his party has always been elevated above his personal interests. In the years leading to the current multi-party democracy, he had been an active political gladiator under the defunct ANPP before pitching his tent, consistently, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In recent times, as a major stakeholder in the PDP, he has variously served in the Campaign Council for Governorship Elections in Abia State, the last being as Coordinator of Coordinators for the re-election of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2019. He has also been part of the National Sub-committees of PDP for the conduct of Party Primaries in Cross River and Oyo States, and equally served as a Member of the Abia State Security Trust Fund.
For nearly 10 years, Chief Ahiwe served as pioneer elected president of the most influential socio-cultural organization in Ngwa Land, the Ngwa Patriots Forum, where his mettle as a compassionate leader and dispute resolution expert became exposed, paving way for him to serve, much later, as member of the National Reconciliation Council of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide. It did not come as surprise to many when in April 2022, he was appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia State.
It is widely believed that Chief Ahiwe’s phenomenal capacity in diversity management has been a great asset deployed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to douse political tensions, harmonize variety of interests and sustain the existing culture of peace in Abia State as he ushers in a new democratic dispensation.
A man of deep spiritual consciousness, Chief Ahiwe is a Knight of the Order of St. John’s International (KSJI). He has been voluntarily honoured with numerous chieftaincy titles, including that of Ugomba Eziama Ntigha. He has also been honoured by many reputable organizations including Churches, town unions, professional bodies, socio-cultural associations and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
He is happily married to Nnenna Ahiwe and they are blessed with five lovely children.
