Director of Partnership and Strategic Alliances
Dr. James Grand Okocha is a thorough and efficient public diplomat and a social crusader with over 20 years of experience prioritizing on project management, building relationships and collaborating with third parties, eager to offer resolutions efficiency at all times.
His academic journey began in 2010 with the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Theology (B.Th.) from Zoe Life Theological College, Philadelphia, USA. Building upon this theological foundation, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.) was earned in 2013, followed by the successful attainment of a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D.) in 2014, also from Zoe Life Theological College, Philadelphia.
Demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning and the intersection of theology with practical leadership, additional qualifications were obtained in 2023 from both the Institute of Entrepreneurship Management and Human Development (IHP) and the Chartered Institutes of Arts Management and Professionals (CIAP). These programs further deepened his understanding of entrepreneurship, human development, and strategic arts management.
In 2024, a dual role was assumed as Brand Ambassador for Microsoft/KAMK University Finland, representing their Cyber Security and Cloud Computing Programme for Nigeria and Congo. Concurrently, responsibilities were undertaken as a Managing Partner for an Agro Mechanized Farming and Agro Economic Industrial Hub, demonstrating a strategic investment in agricultural innovation.
Earlier, in 2022, the position of Chief Consulting Officer was held at Power Relief Agro Business Resources, where his expertise in agricultural strategy and consulting was leveraged to support sustainable growth. In 2021, leadership was extended to the energy sector as Managing Director of Emmanuel International Energy Consultant Limited, contributing significantly to renewable energy advocacy and development.
This distinguished professional has been the recipient of several prestigious international and national awards, each serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication to leadership, peacebuilding, and social advocacy. These honors reflect a career marked by influence, excellence, and a deep commitment to advancing humanitarian and societal progress.
Foremost among these is the esteemed United Nations Peace Ambassador Award, a global recognition of efforts in fostering harmony and constructive dialogue across diverse communities. Complementing this honor is the Global Peace Ambassador Award, conferred by the World Organization of Ambassadors based in Argentina, acknowledging his global footprint in peace promotion and diplomacy.
In the realm of religious leadership and social impact, he was acclaimed as the Most Outstanding African Religious Leader on Social Crusade in 2021 by the Supremacy Icons and Achievers Award — a tribute to his outspoken advocacy on moral, ethical, and socio-political issues affecting the continent. Furthermore, the National Peace and Security Hero Award, granted by the Institute of Criminology and Security Studies, recognized his pivotal role in promoting national security awareness and peace-oriented community engagement initiatives.
As a passionate advocate for nation-building, youth empowerment, and social development, he has made indelible contributions through active leadership in multiple non-governmental organizations and civic movements. His involvement spans over two decades, characterized by strategic leadership and visionary collaboration.
In 2003, he began serving as Senior Pastor of Spring of Breath Assembly International (Life Givers Assembly), a spiritual platform from which he has consistently championed moral leadership, community outreach, and the holistic growth of individuals and families.
By 2014, he expanded his influence by taking on the role of Project Director for the Nation Builders Ministers Network (NBMN), overseeing initiatives aimed at mentoring religious leaders and mobilizing communities toward national development goals.
His commitment to unifying Christian leadership across the country culminated in his election as President of the Christian Ministers Universal Forum (CMUF) in 2017, positioning him at the forefront of inter-denominational engagement and faith-based nation building.
In 2019, he was appointed Vice President of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), an organization dedicated to fostering civic responsibility, youth participation in governance, and socio-political reform.
In 2023, he was named Assistant and National Coordinator for the New Nigeria Group (NNG), reinforcing his reputation as a trusted agent of change in movements focused on policy advocacy and national reorientation.
Most recently, in 2024, he founded the Empower the Youth Now Initiatives (ENI) — a bold, future-forward initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the tools, training, and opportunities needed to thrive in a fast-evolving world. Through ENI, he continues to invest in youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic innovation.