A United States–based Nigerian philanthropist and businessman, Ichie Chimezie Isiuku, has been honoured with a chieftaincy title by his community in Amucha, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, in recognition of his sustained humanitarian contributions and commitment to grassroots development.
The chieftaincy conferment, which took place on January 3, 2026, at the palace of the traditional ruler of Amucha Kingdom, Eze Anayo Okpara, the Okparaji III of Amucha, marked a significant moment for Isiuku, who described the honour as a validation of years of selfless service to his people.
Speaking after the ceremony, Isiuku said he was deeply grateful that his community had acknowledged his efforts, noting that despite living abroad, he has always maintained strong ties with his roots and remained committed to giving back.
“I love coming home to Nigeria, my country, because of the work we are doing through the Mezie Njaba Foundation,” he said. “We assist people to pay hospital bills, support indigent students by paying their school fees, and help the needy in the little way we can.”
Isiuku explained that the Mezie Njaba Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was established in 2018 during his bid for the Imo State House of Assembly. Although he did not emerge victorious in that election, he said the foundation gave him a renewed sense of purpose and a platform to continue serving his community beyond politics.
“After the election, I found a reason to keep the foundation functioning. Helping people became my way of giving back and honouring the memory of my father, who was also a humanitarian. I am simply building on what he started,” he said.
According to him, the foundation, with support from a management team that includes a coordinator currently based in the United Kingdom, has remained active over the years, focusing on education, healthcare and community development. In addition to settling hospital bills and school fees, the foundation has organised free medical outreach programmes and contributed to infrastructural needs, including the procurement of electricity transformers for the community.
Isiuku said these interventions were among the reasons the traditional ruler and community leaders found him worthy of a chieftaincy title. He was conferred with the title “Odi Uko Na Mba,” which he explained means “one whose type is rare in his community.”
“It is a humbling title because I do not hold public office, yet I use my meagre resources to support my people,” he said.
The chieftaincy ceremony was a colourful and well-attended event, with about 10 individuals receiving traditional titles on the same day. Community leaders, family members and well-wishers gathered at the palace to witness the occasion, which Isiuku described as a strong way to begin the new year.
He paid tribute to Eze Anayo Okpara, describing him as a well-read and progressive traditional ruler who takes genuine interest in initiatives that improve the welfare of the people.
Beyond philanthropy, Isiuku also spoke on his political journey and future aspirations. He contested for the Imo State House of Assembly in 2018 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, but has since joined the All Progressives Congress, APC. He disclosed his intention to contest again in the 2027 general elections on the APC platform.
“I had a very good experience in Nigerian politics in 2018,” he said. “I am a Nigerian, I have worked in Nigeria, and I understand how the system works.”
He recalled serving as a revenue officer during the administration of former Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim, describing the appointment as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
On his educational background, Isiuku said he holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education from Alvan Ikoku College of Education and a degree in Political Science from Abia State University. He later obtained a diploma in Law in the United Kingdom before relocating to the United States, where he ventured into the healthcare sector in 2011.
Now married with a family in the US, Isiuku also runs a logistics and freight business involved in shipping goods from America to Nigeria and other parts of the world, a venture he said has continued to thrive.
He used the opportunity to comment on Nigeria’s health and education policies, particularly the issue of remuneration, which he described as grossly inadequate. According to him, poor wages contribute significantly to crime and social instability.
“It is alarming when someone earns N70,000 a month, which is not even up to 100 dollars,” he said. “In the United States, even the lowest income earners can make up to 1,000 dollars a week. Nigeria must wake up and develop policies that regulate wages and protect workers.”
Isiuku argued that hunger and unemployment are major drivers of crime in Nigeria, stressing the need for job creation, industrialisation and better welfare policies. He said his motivation for seeking elective office is to contribute to lawmaking that would address these challenges and improve living standards for ordinary Nigerians.
