UNIS/BIO/843
5 May 2008

New Permanent Representative of Nigeria Presents Credentials

VIENNA, 5 May (UN Information Service) - The new Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (Vienna), H.E. Mr. Jerry Sonny Ugokwe, presented his credentials today to Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General, United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV).

Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Ugokwe was serving as Executive Director, Sheltatropiks Ltd. (Architects and Public Housing Consultants), Lagos, Nigeria (since 1992).

Mr. Ugokwe has served in many capacities in the course of his career, including as: Member, House of Representatives, Abuja, Nigeria (1999 - 2007), Vice-President, International Facility Management Association of Nigeria (IFMA), Lagos Nigeria (1998 - 99), Chairman, Publicity Committee, IFMA, Lagos (1997 - 98), Public Relations Officer and Chairman Public Relations Committee, Nigeria Institute of Architects, Lagos (1993 - 97), Executive Director, African Foundation, Dallas, Texas, United States (1991), President, Organization of Nigerian Nationals, Dallas (1990), Fair Housing Investigator, Dallas (1988 - 90), Housing Intern, Dallas Housing Authority, Dallas (1986 - 88), Project Architect, Building and Engineering Division, Ministry of Defence, Lagos (1984 - 86), Resident Architect, Steveben and Associates, Kaduna, Nigeria (1981 - 84) and Special Assistant to the National Secretary, National Party of Nigeria (NPN), Lagos (1982).

Mr. Ugokwe holds a doctoral degree in Public Housing Policy and Implementation from Texas University, Denton, United States, a Master of Business Administration in Computer Engineering and Management from University of Dallas, United States, a Master's degree in Construction Management from University of Lagos, Nigeria, and a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.

He is married with children.

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