CHINEDU OKERE J (FCA): A VISIONARY LEADER IN NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Chinedu Okere J (FCA), a native of Ngor Okpala LGA in Imo State, Nigeria, stands tall as a luminary figure, blending academic prowess with practical acumen to drive transformative change in the agricultural landscape. With a rich educational background and a trail of professional achievements, Okere has become synonymous with strategic leadership and value creation.
A product of the esteemed University of Calabar, Okere graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Accounting, earning Second Class Honours (Upper Division) during his tenure from 1993 to 1998. It was during this period that his passion for organizational excellence and financial acumen began to crystallize. Active participation in societies such as the National Association of Catholic Students and the Nigerian Universities Accounting Students Association (NUASA) further honed his leadership and networking skills.
Bolstering his academic foundation, Okere pursued professional accreditation, becoming a Fellow at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. His commitment to continuous learning is evidenced by a plethora of courses attended, ranging from leadership development programs in Amsterdam to specialized modules on debt management and process improvement.
Okere’s professional journey is a testament to his versatility and capacity for impactful leadership. As the Chief Executive Officer at Niyya Food and Drinks Company Ltd (Farm Pride) from September 2019 to May 2021, Okere spearheaded initiatives aimed at maximizing the company’s value. His strategic vision and operational finesse were instrumental in propelling Niyya Food & Drinks Co Ltd to new heights, solidifying its position as a key player in the Nigerian food industry.
Building on this success, Okere assumed the role of Managing Director at Coscharis Farms Limited (Coscharis Rice) in May 2021. Situated in Awka South, Anambra State, Nigeria, Coscharis Farms represents a new frontier for Okere’s leadership prowess. With a focus on maximizing stakeholders’ value, Okere is poised to leverage his expertise in finance, management, and strategic planning to drive sustainable growth and innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
In essence, Okere boasts a rich portfolio in driving food security initiatives across the nation. Notably, his adept management skills facilitated a fruitful partnership between IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative of the Netherlands and Coscharis Farms, leading to a remarkable upscaling of yields for 5,000 smallholder farmers in Anambra State. Presently, he spearheads the rice seed multiplication and purification program in Anambra State, in collaboration with Technoserve and Coscharis. Additionally, his managerial prowess extends to overseeing the partnership between the USAID Trade Hub and Coscharis Farms, resulting in a significant increase in output for 7,500 smallholder farmers across Ebonyi and Cross River States. Furthermore, Chinedu has demonstrated his proficiency in integrated farming and beverage processing through his role at Niyya Group Ltd, where he managed a vast plantation spanning 3,000 hectares, alongside juice and dairy processing plants under the Farm Pride brand. Engaged in advancing food systems transformation, Chinedu Okere is a valued member of the IDH Food Systems Transformation Alliance. His expertise is further underscored by certifications in rice milling from GIZ Move and agribusiness management from Lagos Business School, emblematic of his commitment to excellence in the agricultural sector.
In a landscape characterized by uncertainty and volatility, Chinedu Okere J (FCA) stands as a beacon of stability and vision. His journey from academia to the pinnacle of corporate leadership serves as an inspiration to all those who dare to dream and strive for excellence in Nigeria’s dynamic business environment. As he continues to chart new horizons and redefine industry standards, Okere remains a testament to the transformative power of dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination.
