Dickson Akoh
Dr. Dickson Ameh Ojonye Akoh | |
|---|---|
| National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria | |
| Assumed office 1998 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 July 1973 |
| Education | University of Abuja |
| Occupation | Youth leader |
Known for | Founder of the Peace Corps of Nigeria |
Dickson Ameh Ojonye Akoh (born 10 July 1973) is a Nigerian youth leader and founder of the Peace Corps of Nigeria. He was born in Obalende, Lagos State, and is of Idoma origin from Benue State.[1][2]
Early life and education
Akoh was born on 10 July 1973 in Obalende, Lagos State, to the family of Ameh Akoh and Helen Ojonye. Although born in Lagos, he is of Idoma origin from Benue State, where he spent part of his early life and participated in youth organisations including the Boys Scout Movement and the Red Cross in Otukpo.[3]
Career
Akoh founded the Peace Corps of Nigeria, a voluntary organisation focused on youth empowerment, civic responsibility and peacebuilding. Under his leadership, the organisation expanded its activities across Nigeria and advocated legislation to establish it as a statutory national institution.[4]
He has also served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Youth Council of Nigeria.[5]
2017 arrest
On 28 February 2017, officers of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army arrested Akoh and dozens of members of the Peace Corps of Nigeria during the commissioning of the organisation's national headquarters in Abuja. Authorities alleged that the organisation operated illegally, while the Peace Corps denied wrongdoing.[6][7][8][9]
The arrest generated national debate. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticised the operation and questioned the legality of the detention.[10]
Campaign for legal recognition
Akoh has consistently advocated for legislation establishing the Peace Corps of Nigeria as a statutory organisation. Bills seeking presidential assent have generated public debate and have been reported extensively by Nigerian newspapers.[11][12]
References
- ↑ "Peace Corps appeals to Buhari to reconsider assent to bill". Nigerian Tribune. 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "No renewal of ID card without PVC, PCN tells members". Leadership. 21 August 2018.
- ↑ "About Dickson Akoh". Peace Corps of Nigeria.
- ↑ "Peace Corps appeals to Buhari to reconsider assent to bill". Nigerian Tribune. 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "Minister inaugurates 33-man NYCN committee". Pulse Nigeria. 23 January 2018.
- ↑ "Police arrests Peace Corps Commandant in Abuja". The Sun. 1 March 2017.
- ↑ "DSS arrests Peace Corps Commandant Dickson Akoh, 45 corps members". Sahara Reporters. 1 March 2017.
- ↑ "Police, others clamp down on Peace Corps, arrest 50". Punch Newspapers. 1 March 2017.
- ↑ "DSS arrests Peace Corps Commandant, Dickson Akoh, 40 others". Vanguard. 1 March 2017.
- ↑ "Falana berates police over arrest of Peace Corps boss". Vanguard. 4 March 2017.
- ↑ "Peace Corps appeals to Buhari to reconsider assent to bill". Nigerian Tribune. 2 March 2018.
- ↑ "No renewal of ID card without PVC, PCN tells members". Leadership. 21 August 2018.