“We cannot afford isolation in the face of terror. Our response must be bold, united, and anchored in justice. Intelligence sharing is the lifeblood of modern security cooperation, and it must be pursued with unwavering resolve,”
Hon. Dr. Jim Chimezie Okolo, an eminent global statesman in peace building and human rights protection, led a formidable delegation to the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nigeria, to forge a groundbreaking framework for intelligence sharing and regional counter-terrorism cooperation. The engagement signaled a decisive stride toward fortifying Nigeria’s security architecture while embedding human rights as the cornerstone of national and regional defense strategies.
Dr. Okolo stands as the Regional/West African Director for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the International Human Rights Protection Service (USA), a globally recognized institution headquartered in Florida, dedicated to defending fundamental freedoms and advancing justice. His induction into this prestigious role at the National Defence College, Abuja, positioned him as a commanding voice in the fight against conflict, injustice, and violent extremism across West Africa.
Beyond this, Dr. Okolo was inducted as United Nations Mayor for World Peace, a rare honor bestowed during the 2023 World Peace Day celebrations in Lagos, cementing his stature as a global envoy for peace and sustainable security. He also serves as National Coordinator of Nouvelle Perspective International, an international election observer and advocacy platform, where he has played a pivotal role in strengthening democratic institutions and safeguarding electoral integrity.
His humanitarian impact has been recognized at the continental level, earning him the title of Africa’s Humanitarian Hero at the African Legendary Award (AFRILA) in 2025. This accolade celebrated his relentless interventions in uplifting the vulnerable, empowering the marginalized, and championing compassion as a transformative force. In addition, his contributions to community development were honored with a chieftaincy title in Rivers State, conferred by HRH John Adimkpa Nkpe, King of Eleme Kingdom, acknowledging his enduring commitment to grassroots progress.
During the high-level engagement with NCTC, Dr. Okolo declared that terrorism and violent extremism are borderless scourges demanding unified, uncompromising, and relentless collaboration. He asserted that intelligence sharing is not merely a tactical necessity but a moral imperative, inseparable from the duty to protect human dignity and safeguard communities.
“We cannot afford isolation in the face of terror. Our response must be bold, united, and anchored in justice. Intelligence sharing is the lifeblood of modern security cooperation, and it must be pursued with unwavering resolve,” Dr. Okolo proclaimed.
The meeting concluded with firm commitments to establish enduring frameworks for intelligence exchange between Nigerian security agencies and international partners, striking a balance between security imperatives and the inviolable protection of human rights. By uniting his multiple roles — as a regional director, a United Nations Mayor for World Peace, a national coordinator, a humanitarian awardee, and a traditional titleholder — Hon. Dr. Jim Okolo continues to emerge as a towering architect of peace and security, ensuring that West Africa’s voice resonates powerfully in the global war against terrorism.
