Patience Ogechukwu Ochuba Receives Regional Service Award (Africa) for a Polio-Free World from Rotary Foundation Trustees
Patience Ogechukwu Ochuba, a distinguished lawyer and public health advocate, has received the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World from the Trustees of Rotary International’s Foundation. This prestigious recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to Rotary International’s fight against polio in Nigeria. Specifically, her innovative use of social media played a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing support.
Ochuba, a corporate and commercial lawyer based in Abuja, FCT, currently serves as the Principal of Acculaw Legal Practitioners. Additionally, she is a co-publisher of The Metro Lawyer, one of Nigeria’s top legal blogs. While she has excelled in the legal profession, she has also remained committed to justice, transparency, and humanitarian causes, particularly public health advocacy.
During her tenure as a Rotary Public Image Coordinator, Ochuba spearheaded digital campaigns that significantly increased public engagement in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts. More importantly, she played a pivotal role in shaping the communication strategy for Rotary’s End Polio campaign.
Consequently, her efforts ensured widespread awareness and community involvement. In addition, her leadership in Rotary District 9125 (now 9127) and her role in establishing the PolioPlus Nigeria Facebook page contributed to Nigeria’s success in achieving wild poliovirus-free certification.
Her recognition by the Rotary Foundation Trustees further underscores the power of strategic communication and advocacy in global health initiatives. Indeed, Ochuba’s work exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio and securing a healthier future for children worldwide.
Beyond her Rotary engagement, Ochuba remains a leading voice in legal and public service. With master’s degrees in Law and International Relations, along with a diploma in Journalism, she has built a career that integrates legal expertise, public advocacy, and strategic communication. She is a trustee of the Humanitarian Action and Accountability initiative (HAAI), a nonprofit organization founded by her father, which is committed to improving the quality of life for underprivileged individuals through education, healthcare, socio-economic empowerment, and human rights advocacy.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Ochuba reaffirmed her dedication to leveraging law, media, and advocacy to drive meaningful change. Reflecting on the award, she stated, “This award is a testament to the power of communication in advancing public health and social impact.”
As Nigeria strengthens its health systems and works to prevent polio resurgence, Ochuba’s contributions remain a lasting inspiration. Her work continues to motivate legal professionals, Rotarians, and humanitarian advocates dedicated to service and social impact.
