High Chief Justice James Okereke (Igodo) has distinguished himself in many ways. Those who know him say he is a gentleman to the core.The Umuonyeche born Owerri Municipal businessman, politician and contractor is soft spoken with a good heart. But beneath that calmness and tenderness is a man that has done many things for the good of the society.
Okereke is titled Chief whose contributions to the development of his community are immeasurable. His kinsmen and associates confess his benevolence to the poor and the less privileged. His love for his people earned him the prestigious chieftaincy title of Igodo 1 of Owerri conferred on him by the Late Eze Emmanuel Njemanze, the Ozuruigbo v of Owerri.
For Owerri people, he is a man of fine character. As a contractor known for his professional competence, having built many shopping malls in Owerri city and beyond where many youths have been gainfully employment. Presently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of Bazaar and Plaza (Nig) limited which has carried out several construction jobs across the country.
As a politician, he has proved his mettle and worth. He had served as a Supervisory Councilor on Works in Owerri Municipal which gave him the opportunity to understudy the urban nature of Owerri municipality. He had also served past Imo State Governors even in unofficial capacities and also vied for Owerri Municipal Chairmanship in 2003.
In 2007, there was a clarion call on him by his people to contest for the Federal House of Representatives for Owerri Federal Constituency, a call he later deferred to 2018.
Just last week, he responded to that call by indicating his interest to represent the Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers of the House of Representatives in Abuja. He promised to give effective representation to the Federal Constituency.
He said “I am from Owerri Municipal but I have lived all my adult life in Umuguma in Owerri West LGA. I m like a son of the soil in Umuguma. I have have employed many youths from Owerri North. This tells you I know Owerri Federal Constituency very well and this has given the opportunity to understudy the problems of the people”
Okereke is a devout Christian . He is an outstanding deacon of the Winners Chapel. He was the 1st leader of the Board of Deacons of Winners Chapel, Owerri under Bishop Dickson Olareinde in Owerri.He also has a Doctorate Degree from the Christian International University and the Global Harvest University in the United States of America.
Indeed, Igodo is a perfect example of how Nigerian politicians can still play politics and take active part in the things of God.
