Dr Dickson Akoh Profile

GROWING UP

Dr Dickson A. O. Akoh, FCITr, FCPA, FNSIS, fnli, is a globally recognized leader in youth development, peace-building, and social engineering. As the visionary founder of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) in 1998, he transformed a grassroots initiative into a nationwide movement with over 175,000 members. Under his leadership, the PCN achieved Special Consultative Status with both the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council, where he served as Head of the Peace and Security Cluster Committee (2020–2022).

An accomplished academic and strategist, Dr Akoh holds degrees in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Abuja, a Doctorate from Commonwealth University, Belize, and a Professorship in Social Work from Freedom University, USA. His expertise in national security and social empowerment is underscored by high-level appointments, including his service on the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Babura, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Furthermore, his most recent appointment as the pioneer National Coordinator for Nigeria by the International Consortium for Societal Resilience (i-NCSR+) based in University of Manchester, United Kingdom solidifies his standing as a global advocate for sustainable progress and institutional resilience.

A decorated humanitarian with over 120 national and international awards, Dr Akoh is also a revered cultural icon, holding the prestigious title of Oyachaba K’Idoma. His career represents a unique synthesis of discipline and civic responsibility, positioning the Peace Corps as a vital partner in intelligence gathering and safety. Through visionary leadership, Dr Akoh remains a primary architect of structured youth engagement and sustainable societal progress in Nigeria.

Dr Dickson Akoh’s enthusiasm for education at the Army Children School, Okiti-Pupa in Ondo State (1977 – 1981) was capped at the Methodist Primary School, Ogoli-Ugboju with the First School Leaving Certificate in 1983. His Senior Secondary Certificate of Education was then obtained from the Ugboju Community Secondary School, Okpachenyi.

The quest for further education in him was expressed at the University of Abuja, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and a Master of Science in Criminology in 2012 and 2017 respectively; and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Peace Building & Conflict Management from the University of Ibadan in 2019.

In the elementary knowledge that travelling is part of education, it is instructive that Dr Akoh would bring to bear his vast exposure and orientation with international and multicultural organizations around the world.

His Skills in Computer Literacy, Excellent Communication, Capacity for Mass Mobilization for effective Action, and Capacity for Wealth Creation which were developed over time are spectacular.

In the characteristic trait of Peace Building and Development, Dr Akoh instituted International Awards, namely:

  • Senior Advocate of Peace (SAP)
  • International Peace Medal (IPM)
  • International Special Peace Envoy, and
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

These Awards Ceremony usually come up as a Side Event during UN General Assembly in September annually.

His contributions to humanity have endeared him to Communities and Organizations around the world, whereby his recognitions were crowned with numerous Awards, Honours and Investitures, among which are:

  • Honourary Doctorate Degree of Humanities from the Commonwealth University of Belize, South America.
  • International Award for Iconic Achievements of the International Biographical Centre, Iconic President’s Cambridge, London.
  • 2013 Grand Order of MeritChancellors of the Global Foundation for Unity, Peace and Life Development.
  • Fellowship Award of the Institute of Chartered Trustees.
  • Merit Award by the Methodist Church, Nigeria.
  • Millennium Development Ambassador by Teachers without Boarders.
  • Role Model Award by the Middle Belt Youth Organization.
  • Youth Ambassador for Peace Award by the Youth Federation for World Peace.
  • Patriot of Greater Nigeria. by North Central States Students Association.
  • Development Service Award by Grassroots Women Empowerment of Nigeria.
  • Development Ambassadorby the West African Students Association.
  • Excellent Service Award by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).
  • Entrepreneurial Ambassador Award by the New World Poverty Eradication Initiative.
  • Crusader of Our Time(1999-2011) Award by Who Is Who in Nigeria’s Democracy Youth.
  • 2012 Sixty Outstanding Personality Award of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
  • Medal of Service Award by the Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa.
  • Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award of the Idoma Pathfinders National Colloquium Awards.
  • March 2015 Leadership Award by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values and the National Leadership Award Group.

In further recognition of his contributions to the socio-economic development of the various constituencies, he has been conferred by Traditional Titles across the country, thus:

  • Oyachaba K’Idoma (Over all Achiever of Idoma Land); Otukpo, Benue State.
  • Ogigo’mebe K’Ugboju (Traditional Mirror); Ugboju Traditional Council, Otukpo, Benue State.
  • Nwanne Di Namba (Brotherhood in Diaspora); Nkwere, Imo State.
  • Attah Ojah of Ankpa Kingdom (Father of All); Ankpa Traditional Council, Kogi State.
  • Musuma Uwa Mususu – Efut Okoho Nankwa Clan Council, Calabar South, Cross River State.

As an advocate of peace, youth and community development, the present challenges of insecurity and restiveness in Benue State will be brought under control to propel the much desired accelerated development of our economy.

Brief on Peace Corps of Nigeria (please refer to menu on the website)

In view of his desire for societal advancement, several laudable Programmes have been implemented through his initiatives;these include:

  • 1998 Till Date; Conducting Leadership Training and Orientation for over 187, 000 youths drawn from 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, into the Officers Cadre of the Corps under the Alternative Employment Scheme-AES of Peace Corps of Nigeria.
  • 2006: Facilitated the National Volunteer Service Celebration in November, 2006.
  • 2003: Facilitated the Development of Peace Education Curriculum for West African Universities by University of Peace, America.
  • 2003: Facilitated Peaceful Conduct of the General Elections by mobilizing the Nigerian youths in all States of the Federation, including Federal Capital Territory to offer volunteer services as Election Observers.
  • Chairman: Board of Trustees, Ugboju Community Secondary School Old Students’ Association, Otukpo, Benue State.

The feat and recognition of an individual is attached to his wits among others. This is obtained in the efforts of personalities towards identifying and belonging to groups and organizations that drive their career portfolio.

In order to be among those of same incline, Dr. Akoh’s lifestyle acquired him the following reputable organs of career development:

  • Honorary Fellow: Institute for Security and Intelligence Studies.
  • Fellow: Chartered Institute of Public Administration.
  • Member: Institute of Chartered Trustees of Nigeria.
  • Member: Conflict Resolution Stakeholders Network (CRESNET).
  • Member: Centre for Democratic Governance.
  • Fellow: Institute of Global Communication and Diplomacy in Africa.
  • Fellow: Institute of Chartered Trustees of Nigeria.
  • Associate Member: International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, London.

With vast experience in peace-building, youth mobilization and volunteerism, community development and services spanning close to three decades, the personal relationship and corporate network with the African Union, the United Nations and its various Missions and Organs through participation in their programmes have broadened Prof. Akoh’s capacity and effectiveness in the tasks of revamping even a distressed entity.

Human Capacity & Social Development

Since inception of the Amb. Akoh Foundation, individuals have been supported to succeed in their chosen areas of interest, to achieve their goals and magnify their impact in the society

Through its rich variety of programs, initiatives and trainings, the Foundation provides support and resources that help individuals achieve their dreams, enhance their success and encourage them to impact their community so as to trickle down the effects of our developmental programs.

Social programs like carnivals and several other Cultural Festival(s) have been enhanced in the community.

Humanitarian Efforts

A number of Wheel Chairs have been donated to the physically challenged, reached out to Orphanages and IDP camps with food, clothes and money and other essentials and working hard to bring together those who will act in good faith with the intent to alleviate the suffering of people in need, especially women, children, prisoners and the Internally Displaced Persons;paid medical bills and see to the protection of the rights of every under-privileged, especially children.

As an organization, the foundation fights against injustice and promote social equality in systems, structures and institutions in Nigeria. Through organizing and activism, we engage all members of society in dialogue and action toward tackling the root causes of social problems. Working at the causation or structural level, social justice philanthropy responds to long-term needs. It is proactive rather than reactive.

Building of Pavilion for Ugboju District

In line with its support to Socio-Cultural activities, he has built a modern Public Square for Ugboju District, which is his home town as a boost to the Annual Ugboju Ejalekwu Festival that was always held under the trees.

Physical projects(Please refer to menu on the website)

In the build up towards leadership roles, he has tasted the tasks attached to the responsibilities. These were encountered while holding such Leadership Positions as:

  1. September, 2020 till date: Head, Peace and Security Sectorial Cluster Committee of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOC) in Nigeria.
  2. October, 2015 to September, 2016 Principal Special Assistant (Special Duties) to Benue State Governor.
  3. February – April 25th 2014; Special Adviser on Security, All Progressive Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Campaign Organization, Benue State.
  4. 2014 – Till Date: Permanent Representative of Peace Corps of Nigeria to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), UN Headquarters in New York City (USA) and Regional Offices in Switzerland and Austria
  5. 2011 – 2013: Deputy President, National Youth Council of Nigeria
  6. 2013 -Till Date:Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Youth Council of Nigeria (The umbrella Body of all Youth Organisations in Nigeria).
  7. 1998 – Till Date: National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria
  8. 2005 – 2008: Social Organizer/Public Relations Officer, Ugboju Comm. Dev. Asso. Abuja Branch.
  9. 2014 – Till Date: Board Chairman, Uni-Tract Nigeria Limited.
  10. 2014 – Till Date: Board Chairman, Ambassadors’ Resort and Gardens.
  11. 2003 – Till Date: President General, Ugboju Progressive Association.
  12. 1984 – 1988: Zonal Leader, International Red Cross Society.
  13. 1982 – 1984: Troop Leader, Boys Scout of Nigeria.
  14. 2018 till Date: Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ugboju CSS Old Students

Training/Workshops and Conferences Attended:

  • National Workshop on “Prevention and Eradication of Cultism in Educational Institutions”, by the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, August, 2000.
  • “Peace Education and Conflict Resolution”, by the University of Peace, USA, Nov/Dec, 2003.
  • Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS) by the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, December, 2006.
  • United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, February 2012.
  • United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Earth Summit), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 2012. This is the highest meeting of the UN held every 20 years.
  • High Level Meeting of the 67th Session of the General Assembly on the Rule of Law at the United Nations Headquarters, New York in September, 2012.
  • 13th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), 12thto 23rd May 2014, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • Special Session of the General Assembly on the follow-up to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development Beyond 2014, 22nd September, 2014.
  • United Nations First and Second Session of the Preparatory Committee Meeting of the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held on 14th to 15th July, and 17th to 18th November, 2014, at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

High Level General Assembly Thematic Debate on “Integrating Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in the Post-2015 Development Agenda” held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 25th February, 2015. February, 2015.