Michael Chinonyerem Nwachi Bags Honorary Doctorate in Security and Intelligence from Embry-Riddle University, USA
The atmosphere was charged with celebration and honor as High Chief Dr. Michael Chinonyerem Nwachi, Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Forest Security Service ( NFSS), fondly known as Owaza Gburugbur 1, was conferred with an Honorary Doctoral Degree in Security and Intelligence by the prestigious Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA. The recognition, held in grand style, placed the Nigerian leader among a select circle of globally celebrated professionals whose work and impact transcend borders.
The prestigious conferment took place at the National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja, attracting eminent personalities from the political class, academia, corporate organizations, and security institutions who gathered to witness the colorful ceremony.
Under his stewardship, NFSS has seen significant improvements in operational efficiency, personnel training, and cross-sector partnerships. The Assistant Commandant General’s dedication has earned him commendations from environmental bodies, security agencies, and governmental institutions, positioning him as one of the foremost figures in Nigeria’s forestry and environmental security landscape.
High Chief Dr. Nwachi is a man of many parts—an accomplished entrepreneur, traditional leader, and security strategist. He is the Managing Director of Owaza 24.7 Hotel, Igando, Lagos State, a hospitality hub renowned for excellence. He also serves as CEO of Mike.MN Import and Export Nigeria Ltd, a company with strong footprints in international trade, and Managing Director of MAKO International Contractor Oil and Gas Ltd, a key player in Nigeria’s energy and contracting sector.
As Assistant Commandant General of NFSS, Dr. Nwachi plays a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s security architecture, with a focus on forest protection, community safety, and national resilience. His recognition by an American university underscores his standing as a security leader of international relevance.
The conferment firmly places him among a select group of African leaders whose contributions to peace, security, and intelligence development are celebrated on the global stage.
With a career marked by diligence, strategic innovation, and unwavering integrity, the Assistant Commandant General of NFSS continues to inspire both colleagues and citizens, setting new benchmarks in forestry security, environmental stewardship, and national service.
His broad-based career reflects not only entrepreneurial brilliance but also a steadfast commitment to national development through security, commerce, and investment.
In conferring the Honorary Doctorate, Embry-Riddle University underscored Dr. Nwachi’s contributions to security innovation, intelligence strategy, and business leadership. His name now sits among a global class of distinguished leaders who embody excellence, vision, and resilience.
The university’s board noted that his work in Nigeria’s private sector, coupled with his strategic engagements in security matters, has created models that align with global standards of professionalism, responsibility, and innovation.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Nwachi is celebrated in traditional circles as Owaza Gburugbur 1, a revered high chief whose influence blends culture with leadership. This honorary doctorate further solidifies his place as both a cultural custodian and modern-day business statesman—a rare balance of tradition and progress.
During the presentation, Professor J. N. William, Country Representative of Embry-Riddle University, extolled Dr. Nwachi’s impact as the driving force behind the award.
“Embry-Riddle is a global leader in aviation, safety, security, and intelligence. In Michael Chinonyerem Nwachi, we see a personality whose leadership and service align perfectly with our values. His work has demonstrated vision, responsibility, and impact, and it is for these reasons that the university has found him worthy of this honorary doctorate,” Prof. William declared.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after receiving the award, Dr. Nwachi expressed profound gratitude to the university for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and inspiring.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This award is not just a personal achievement, but a call to greater service — to my country, to my community, and to humanity. I will continue to uphold the values of ethical leadership and innovation in all I do,” he remarked.
He further pledged to leverage the knowledge and inspiration drawn from the honor to foster security consciousness, leadership development, and sustainable initiatives that benefit society.
For many Nigerians present at the ceremony, the award was a moment of pride. It showcased not only the achievements of one man but also the capacity of Nigerians to shape conversations on security, business, and leadership globally.
As the ovation rang in the hall, the narrative was clear: High Chief Dr. Michael Chinonyerem Nwachi’s trajectory is a story of vision, resilience, and global impact. His newly conferred doctorate is not just a personal honor—it is a national badge of excellence carried proudly into the global arena.
