Across Nigeria’s agricultural transformation, food security architecture, professional regulation, and livestock industry reform, one name consistently stands out—Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokhwo Ohwofa (KSC, RAS, FASAN, FNIAS, FCASN).
A man whose voice carries weight in government circles, industry boards, academia, and international development organisations, he represents the rare blend of technical brilliance, administrative competence, strategic national influence, and deep community commitment needed to reposition the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for relevance in the modern era.
A PROFESSIONAL GIANT WITH NATIONAL AND GLOBAL CREDENTIALS
Chief Ohwofa’s professional footprint spans regulation, academia, corporate leadership, policy development, entrepreneurship, and national advisory roles.
As the President and Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS)—a Federal Government regulatory agency—he leads the body responsible for:
• Professionalizing the livestock industry
• Regulating animal husbandry, feed production & nutrition
• Setting national standards for safety and quality
• Enforcing compliance across the agricultural value chain
• Working with universities to upgrade curricula
• Advising government on livestock policy
Under his leadership, NIAS has become a strategic pillar in Nigeria’s food security ecosystem. In his own words, he states:
“Livestock is not just about rearing animals; it is a serious business that must be approached with professionalism, investment, and national direction.”
— Chief Simeon Ohwofa, Leadership Newspaper Interview
This clarity of thought reflects the mind of a leader who understands systems, policy, and implementation.
A NATIONAL POLICY INFLUENCER WITH BROAD NETWORK REACH
Chief Ohwofa enjoys strong professional and policy-level relationships with Nigeria’s top national leaders, including:
• Prof. Attahiru Jega, former INEC Chairman and national governance thought leader
• Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha Minister of Federal Ministry for Livestock Development
• Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and DGs in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture
• Vice Chancellors, Professors, and Deans of leading Nigerian Universities
• Stakeholders in IFAD, FAO, AfDB, and global livestock development partners
• Influential political and industry leaders across the Niger Delta and federal platforms
These networks reflect a man who is comfortable in national and global arenas, and who has demonstrated the ability to attract partnerships, resources, and influence.
A STRONG CORPORATE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL BACKGROUND
Chief Ohwofa’s career began in multinational corporate leadership at Roche Nigeria Limited (subsidiary of F. Hoffman-La Roche, Switzerland), where he rose to become Head of Feed Industries, Vitamins Division.
His responsibilities included:
• National-level management of feed and nutrition products
• Engagement with manufacturers, distributors, and agro-industrial players
• Strategy development and implementation for the Nigerian market
• Partnership building with global supply chains and technical teams
• Regulatory liaison with NAFDAC and agricultural agencies
This role laid the foundation for his mastery of:
• Corporate strategy
• Market intelligence
• Product development
• National distribution systems
• High-level stakeholder engagement
In 1995, he left paid employment to build a chain of successful businesses in:
• Agriculture (feed milling, livestock systems)
• Food value chains
• Banking and financial partnerships
• Enterprise development
Today, his businesses remain sustainable, well-governed, and a source of jobs and economic value.
A GOVERNMENT POLICY ADVISER & NATIONAL STRATEGIST
Few technocrats have influenced Nigeria’s livestock policy space as significantly as Chief Ohwofa.
He has served in strategic Federal Government roles such as:
• Member, Implementation Committee for the Federal Government Alternative Feed Formulation Programme
• Adviser and stakeholder in the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP)
• Key contributor to national discussions on grazing reserves, fodder banks, and open grazing solutions
• Collaborator with universities on curriculum modernization
• Contributor to national debates on animal science regulation, food quality, and youth engagement
In his policy interventions, he noted:
“We cannot achieve food security without deliberate investment in livestock and modern systems. Nigeria has the potential to become a global hub for livestock production.”
— Chief Ohwofa
This is the voice of a man who sees national problems through practical, data-driven, and globally informed lenses.
AN INTELLECTUAL WITH DEEP ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL ROOTS
Chief Ohwofa’s academic pedigree is unmatched:
• Government College, Ughelli – one of Nigeria’s finest
• University of Ibadan – B.Sc. Agric-Biochemistry & Nutrition
• MBA, University of Benin
• Institute of Marketing, London
• Lagos Business School Executive Certificates
He is a Fellow of three major professional bodies:
• Fellow, Animal Science Association of Nigeria ( FASAN)
• Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (FNIAS)
• Fellow, Nigeria College of Animal Science (FCASN)
He has served as:
• Acting President, Nigerian Society of Animal Production (NSAP)
• Trustee, Feed Industry Practitioners of Nigeria (FIPAN)
• National Coordinator & Trustee, Urhobo Historical Society (UHS)
• Past President & Current BOT Chairman, Urhobo Social Club, Lagos
This combination of academic, regulatory, and professional leadership places him among the top-tier animal science executives in Africa.
A MAN DEEPLY ROOTED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE & VALUES
Through the Orogine Ohwofa Foundation, he has supported over 75 students in Uwheru through scholarships—an investment in human capital that has changed lives.
He holds respected traditional titles:
• Orhuerakpo of Uwheru
• Oricheko of Uwheru
• Akpobaro of Olomu Kingdom
• Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC), Anglican Communion
These reflect esteem, trust, and honour within the Urhobo Nation.
THE RIGHT MAN FOR UPU LEADERSHIP: EXPERIENCE, NETWORK, CAPACITY
UPU needs a leader who can:
• Engage the Federal Government and National Assembly
• Interface with Ministers, DGs, Technocrats, and Diplomatic Missions
• Mobilize Urhobo professionals globally
• Reform internal systems and rebuild unity
• Modernize UPU’s national relevance
• Inspire the youth and restore dignity to the institution
• Bring investment, educational partnerships, and development projects
• Speak confidently in policy, international, and academic settings
Chief Ohwofa fits this profile perfectly.
He brings:
• 40+ years of professional experience
• National-level policy exposure
• Global networks and partnerships
• A technocratic mindset rooted in results
• An unimpeachable reputation
• A vision for a united, modern, globally recognized Urhobo Nation
Conclusion: A Leader Shaped by Experience, Distinguished by Integrity, and Positioned for History
Chief Simeon Ohwofa is not just an aspirant—
He is a statesman,
a technocrat,
a professional icon,
a community pillar,
and a national voice whose leadership is needed now more than ever.
Urhobo stands at a crossroads.
At such moments, great nations choose experience, vision, and proven capacity.
Chief Simeon Ohwofa represents all three.
A leader whose time has come.
