Peter Okocha

Peter Eloka Okocha (born February 5, 1952) is a Nigerian Igbo businessman, philanthropist and politician. He vied for the office of the governorship of Delta State in 2007 but was disqualified from further contest in the race by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo.Fact|date=October 2008

Early life and Education

Okocha was born in Bisichi, Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. His father was killed in North during the Nigerian civil War. He had his primary school education in Bisichi Tin Primary School, Bisichi, Plateau State. He initially joined St Mulumba's College in Bisichi but was forced to return to Ibusa following the outbreak of the war and was enrolled in St. Michael's College, Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta state. Okocha would also join the Seminary School but was forced to quit by the actions of his mother for the reason of being the first son of the family. He therefore quit and completed his secondary school in 1971.

In 1972, Peter Okocha traveled to Northeastern University where he obtained B.Sc in Economics, and M.Sc in Political Economics in the same institution and later MBA in Finance and Accounting from Roosevelt University and returned to Nigeria where he did his Youth Service in 1978 with Streamline.Fact|date=October 2008

Business career

In 1985, Okocha's businesses included a Pharmaceutical company that is a subsidiary of Dziengof bought over in 1985. The company produced Optalgen and Animal veterinary goods.Fact|date=October 2008 Vivaldi, another subsidiary was developed which assembled Air-Conditioners.Fact|date=October 2008 In 1985, he came up with Chrimatel, a Clearing and Forwarding Agency.Fact|date=October 2008 There is also Global Insurance, and Ulticare Likier Company located in his hometown Ibusa.

In 1991, Okocha built the Mitchel Terminal which takes about 1000 containers. In 1999, he bought African Petroleum from the money he reportedly stated he borrowed.Fact|date=October 2008

Political career

He declared his political ambition to run for the gubernatorial position in Delta State, his state of origin and joined the People's Democratic Party (PDP) but in quite a controversial circumstance was suspended by Olusegun Obasanjo and defected to Action Congress were he was soon banned by the same Olusegun Obasanjo. He has since taken his matter to High Court in Nigeria to annul the Delta state election.

References

External links

* [http://www.news.biafranigeriaworld.com/archive/2003/dec/29/0204.html "I have a strong desire to play active politics, says Okocha", in "Vanguard", December 29, 2003.]