Jim Okolo bags UN award for youth mobilisation

The ECOWAS Commission Building in Asokoro, Abuja, was filled with celebration and admiration as Hon. Amb. Jim Chimezie Okolo, a distinguished diplomat, humanitarian, and peace advocate, was honored with the United Nations Award of Champion for Youth Mobilisation during the 10th Anniversary of the TAFMUN (The African Future Model United Nations).

This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Ambassador Okolo but a testament to his lifelong dedication to empowering young people, advancing peace, and strengthening democratic values both within Nigeria and across the globe.

Ambassador Okolo’s career is marked by a rare blend of national service and international diplomacy.

His roles have consistently placed him at the intersection of peacebuilding, human rights, and youth empowerment.

He previously served as Regional Director for Peace and Conflict Resolution, where he was inducted at the National Defence College in Abuja and became a leading figure in countering violent extremism.

In recognition of his outstanding service, he was recently redeployed as the Regional Director for Inter-Governmental Affairs, a role that expands his influence in fostering collaboration among governments and international institutions.

As West African Regional Director of the International Human Rights Protection Service (IHRPS), USA, he has overseen critical initiatives aimed at strengthening human rights protections and fostering peace across the subregion.

In 2023, he was named United Nations Mayor for World Peace, a symbolic honor that underscored his global stature as a peace advocate.

His work as National Coordinator of Nouvelle Perspective International has taken him across continents, leading election observation missions in Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Togo, Burundi, Germany, France, Italy, and the United States.

These missions have reinforced transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.Within Nigeria, Ambassador Okolo has been a commanding voice for peace and security.

In 2026, he championed an intelligence-sharing pact with Nigeria’s Counter-Terrorism Center, balancing national security imperatives with human rights protections.

He has also served as an Implementing Partner for Global Peace with the Nigerian Air Force Directorate of Peace Support Operations, bridging civil-military collaboration for sustainable peace.Ambassador Okolo’s humanitarian work is equally remarkable.

Through the Jim Mezie Foundation, he has uplifted communities by focusing on youth development, education, and empowerment. His compassion earned him the Africa’s Humanitarian Hero Award (AFRILA 2025), recognising his tireless efforts to support vulnerable populations.

At the grassroots level, he was conferred as Chief of Eleme Kingdom in Rivers State by HRH John Adimkpa Nkpe, a traditional honor that reflects his deep connection to community service.Ambassador Okolo’s influence extends into academia and enterprise.

As Chairman of the Governing Council of Bridget University, Mbaise, he has championed academic excellence and leadership training for the next generation. In the private sector, he serves as Managing Director/CEO of Jimez Petroleum, advancing Nigeria’s energy sector with integrity and innovation.

The UN Award for Youth Mobilization at TAFMUN’s 10th Anniversary is a fitting recognition of Ambassador Okolo’s lifelong mission: to inspire and mobilize young people as agents of peace, progress, and global cooperation.

In his acceptance remarks, he emphasised that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today.

His call to action resonated deeply with the audience, urging African youth to embrace diplomacy, service, and leadership as tools for building a better continent.

Hon. Okolo’s recognition at the ECOWAS Commission Building is more than a personal accolade. It is a reminder that leadership rooted in service, compassion, and vision can transform societies.

From grassroots empowerment in Rivers State to international diplomacy in Europe and the United States, his journey reflects a rare blend of local impact and global influence.

As Nigeria and Africa continue to navigate complex challenges, voices like Ambassador Okolo’s stand not just ideals but achievable realities.