Banner Online News

Over the years, the Nigerian Army, through its public relations arm, has worked diligently to improve its public image with focus on transparency, community engagement, professional conduct and improved social media policy. This, ostensibly to regulate the conduct of personnel, both at the frontlines, in different barracks and through social work, has been relatively fruitful. For instance, the Army’s free medical outreach across the country and other interventions have greatly endeared some troops to a skeptical public.

But when all is said and done, there is one man who is silently working to improve the image of soldiers through his intentional social actions. That soldier, is Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei, an officer who understands the importance of perception, reputation and generosity. Ochei’s actions and bearing, without doubt, have earned him the respect and admiration of his bosses, fellow soldiers, classmates, friends and the local population in many parts of Nigeria. This officer and gentleman, a kind soldier, is always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand to those in need, regardless of who they are.

Ochei’s generosity is not a recent development. As a matter of fact, it actually began from his student days at St. Pius Xth Grammer School, Onicha -Ugbo, the Christian missionary school he attended in Delta State. As a House Prefect and an influential student of his time, he did not only maintain classroom discipline and conviviality in the hostel, he also ensured that his vulnerable friends, classmates and every junior student for that matter, had the right to learn and socialize. Known for his leadership and academic excellence, young Raymond inspired many of his peers to aim for the highest standards. For his classmates who still remember, Ochei also shaped discourse and drove change within the school.

How this compassionate soldier manages his life, career, personal challenges and a great generosity that confounds, remains a mystery. However, it is clear that Ochei was born with natural inclination towards virtuous actions, and this is verifiable. The truth, and this is important, is that this Army officer lives a simple and unobstructed life, giving his time, attention and resources to people, regardless of tribe, tongue or creed. And the impact of his generosity is felt broadly, especially among members of his family, classmates, friends, colleagues, communities and ordinary people who suffer disproportionately because they lack the resources to mitigate the vagaries of life. For him, giving is a way of life, and he knows that he is making a difference, and also making the world a better place with his kindness.

For example, in his extended family, he is highly regarded for his compassion, and he sets no limit on his benevolence at home, no matter his constraint. At the home front, it is easy to measure this uncommon generosity directly through his actions like helping out, donating to charitable causes within his family and offering his time and emotional support when needed.

Among his classmates and friends, he is almost like a folk hero. As a close-knit group, bound by camaraderie and loyalty, he regularly provides transportation allowance for Class of 84, an association of his secondary school classmates and friends of over forty years, anytime any event takes them to Delta, his home state. Those under the weather in this famous ’84 set, have also benefited from his good-spirited nature. He has provided financial support for start-ups, paid medical bills for his classmates struggling financially, plays host to his friends every year, makes time to visit his classmates and generously offers scholarships to pupils and students in need.

A typical example that embodies the character and good nature of this soldier is the story of Moses Okeibunor Chime, aka Black Moses. Chime, Ochei’s senior and a former Labour Prefect at St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, who is now bat blind, today, enjoys a better quality of life and renewed hope because of this soldier. In a remarkable act of kindness, Ochei built and furnished a house, placed the visually impaired man on a monthly allowance, ensured he receives proper medical care, and even arranged a marriage for him, giving him a new start in life

There is also the moving story of Obi Martha Dunkwu, the late Omu Anioma whom he encountered during the commissioning of Olona Ultra-Modern Market, built by his adorable wife, Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei on Monday April, 2023. After that historic encounter at Onicha-Olona, Major-General Ochei placed the well-known female traditional ruler under allowance until she breathed her last on February 16, 2024.

Ochei’s intervention projects across Nigeria in education, health care, infrastructure development, empowerment of women and the youth, peacebuilding and social progress, are well-known and appreciated, especially by those whose lives he has touched. And to say that this unusual soldier is committed to mentoring the next generation of servicemen is to put it mildly—his dedication goes far beyond expectation.

The Hausa Community, behind St. Paul’s Catholic Cathedral, in Ogbeidibo Quarters, at Issele-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government in Delta State, also remembers him for good. These Nigerians from the Northern part Nigeria are grateful for the lasting impact he makes on their lives. In a touching demonstration of care, he generously offers free food, water and soft drinks every evening during Ramadan to this predominantly Islamic population when they break their fast which is a gesture of solidarity and kindness.

There are also senior citizens, traditional rulers and economically disadvantaged group of persons across the country who also enjoy monthly stipend and free health care, courtesy of this good man.

Ochei, it must be emphasized, leads a rainbow and truly inclusive staff, made up of people from every part of Nigeria.
This devout man of faith also expresses his deep Christian faith through acts of charity and service to the church.

The point is that, whether in service or assistance, Ochei leaves no one behind. And he has continued on this trajectory of always giving and touching lives with every opportunity.

He is one soldier who loves arts and culture, often spending his free time visiting museums, collecting and reading books, listening to traditional songs, preserving endangered traditions, promoting local heritage, collecting art works and seeing beauty, even in the midst of conflict. He is, indeed, an exemplary officer—honourable, accountable, humble, accommodating, hardworking, loyal, courageous, restrained, generous, firm, forgiving, supportive and selfless.

Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei is a truly compassionate soldier who balances strength with humanity.

May time be kind to him.