The Power Of One – In Memory Of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma (1966-2021)

Courtenay Bryce’s 1989 novel, “The Power of One”, tells the story of Peekay, a young boy growing up in South Africa during the 1930s and 1940s exploring themes such as racial injustice, the power of perseverance, and the impact of individual actions on society.

Peekay faces numerous challenges and obstacles but continues to persevere, ultimately becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for others. The book emphasises the importance of unity and standing up against oppression. It portrays the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and the role that individuals can play in bringing about social change.

“The Power of One” is a powerful and inspirational story that highlights the impact of individual actions and the potential for positive change they can lead, even in the face of adversity. The world has been blessed and shaped intermittently by individuals who have proven that one person can make a difference in the world, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.

In the grand tapestry of history, the threads of our individual lives intertwine to create a vibrant and ever-changing pattern. The power of one lies in the ability of a single person to instigate profound change, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of society. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of individuals who, through their courage, indomitable spirit, and unwavering determination, have reshaped the course of events and inspired generations to come.

Solving Wicked Problems

One such figure who embodied the power of one was Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma, a serial entrepreneur, lifelong learner, and specialist in identifying gaps and actionable opportunities for solving wicked societal problems. Innocent passed away three years ago on April 3rd, 2021, in Lagos, Nigeria. He was the former regional director of the Ford Foundation and founder of the CLEEN Foundation among many other social justice endeavours.

He has been described as “arguably one of the most influential strategists of his generation in Nigeria’s human rights movement and one of the pivotal advocates for more accountable government at the end of military rule in Africa’s most populous country. Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN hailed Innocent as “Nigeria’s most authoritative voice on policing” and as “Africa’s leading expert on police and law enforcement reform” by others.

This extraordinary man is a testament to the transformative power of one. Innocent’s life and work remind us that even in the darkest of times, the flicker of hope and the unwavering belief in the possibility of change can ignite a spark that spreads far and wide. From humble beginnings, Innocent rose to become one of the most revered figures in the social justice space challenging injustice and authoritarianism. In high school, he challenged unhealthy food portions in boarding school and got suspended for it – a small price to pay for the favourable outcome. Later in life, he would champion work on police reform and criminal justice that led to the prestigious Reebok International Human Rights Award in 1996.

In commemoration of the 3rd anniversary of his passing, CLEEN Foundation and the Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment Foundation (ICCEF), will host the second Annual Impact & Legacy Memorial Lecture, on Friday, 12th April 2024, in Abuja. The lecture, themed “The Power of One: Dreams & Nightmares: Thoughts on Innocent Chukwuma”, will be delivered by the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah.

Bishop Kukah, in this lecture, will focus on the power of one man – Innocent Chukwuma – and how he made a difference, impacted his world, and left an enduring legacy underscoring the significance of individual agency in shaping our collective future. The lecture series is dedicated to the memory of a human rights advocate, intellectual, and visionary leader who left an indelible mark on our society. His life and legacy, tireless efforts in the pursuit of social justice, good governance, gender equity, and empowerment of the marginalized continue to inspire generations.

Change Begins With One

The power of one is not limited to grand gestures. In our everyday lives, we have countless opportunities to make a positive impact. Acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circles. Leading change, even as an individual is possible.

A good place to start is to identify the issue or cause that one is passionate about and wants to see changed or improved, seek knowledge about that issue to learn as much as possible about its root causes, current state, and design potential solutions. Knowledge is power when it comes to driving change. One must also set clear goals that are definite, specific, and measurable goals for the change one wants to see. Having clear objectives will ensure focus and progress.

Then, one must lead by example and be the change one wants to see in the world. Living according to one’s values and principles will inspire others to follow suit. That leadership by example will help build a network to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who share same passion for the cause. Collaborating with others can amplify one’s efforts and bring about greater impact. Using one’s voice to speak out through various channels including town hall meetings, social media, public speaking engagements, writing articles, or organizing events to raise awareness and mobilize support.

Finally, whether it’s volunteering, fundraising, organizing protests, protecting the environment, or lobbying policymakers, every action, no matter how small, contributes to the overall effort. Change takes time so persistence, staying committed to the cause, even in the face of setbacks or obstacles and pushing forward without giving up is key.

Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate milestones and achievements along the way to maintain motivation and momentum for continued action while being flexible and adaptable. The landscape of social change is constantly changing, so one must be open to new ideas and strategies that may arise.

What’s Your Superpower?

As individuals, we all have the power to make a difference. By taking action and inspiring others to join us in our cause, we can lead meaningful change in our community and beyond. Embracing the power of one, we can cultivate a more caring, inclusive, and just world. Each of us can be a catalyst for positive change, no matter how small. By working together, we can create a society where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference.

The world needs more Innocents to solve the wicked problems of poverty, police brutality, disease, social injustice, corruption, impunity, violence, insecurity, gender inequality and climate change. According to Frantz Omar Fanon, the Martinique revolutionary and psychiatrist who noted that “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it”, Innocent’s life is both a lesson and an inspiration to act fast and now because life is fleeting. There is no better time in our nation to activate the learning from the life of such an enigma.

The power of one is not a mere abstraction; it is a tangible force that resides within every one of us. By recognizing and embracing this power, we can unleash our full potential and contribute to a future that is brighter, more just, and more sustainable for all. That is the most profound and enduring way we can keep Innocent’s memory alive.

For his wife Josephine, and his daughters Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechi, keep the flag flying and thank you for sharing Innocent with us!