Rochas Okorocha

Rochas Okorocha **Early Life and Education** Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha was born on September 22, 1962, in Ogboko, Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Coming from a humble background, he reportedly engaged in petty trading during his early childhood to support himself and his family. For his secondary education, he attended Juladaco High School in Jos, Plateau State, from 1976 to 1981. Okorocha furthered his studies at the University of Uyo, where he obtained a Diploma in Public Administration between 1990 and 1991. He later earned an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Jos from 1993 to 1994. **Career Progression and Philanthropy** Before entering politics, Okorocha established himself as a successful businessman and philanthropist. He founded the Rochas Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, quality education to underprivileged children across Africa, with schools established throughout Nigeria and beyond. This philanthropic endeavor became a significant part of his public image. His political career began with his election as a senator representing the Imo West Senatorial District in 1999. Okorocha was a founding member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He contested the Nigerian presidency multiple times, notably in 2003 under the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) and again in 2007. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** In 2011, Okorocha successfully contested and won the gubernatorial election of Imo State under the platform of APGA. He served two terms, from 2011 to 2019, before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As Governor, his administration focused heavily on infrastructure development and education. His flagship program, the "Free Education for All" policy, aimed to provide free tuition from primary up to tertiary level in state-owned institutions. He also oversaw the establishment of new tertiary institutions, including the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. His tenure was marked by extensive urban renewal projects in the capital, Owerri, and the creation of numerous public buildings and statues. In 2019, Okorocha was elected as the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District for a second time, this time under the APC platform. **Current Status** Rochas Okorocha continues to be an influential figure in Nigerian politics and a member of the Senate. He remains the founder and president of the Rochas Foundation, overseeing its educational and humanitarian activities. Since his tenure as governor, he has faced scrutiny and legal investigations regarding the management of state assets during his administration, issues which remain ongoing in the public and judicial spheres.