THE PROFILE OF BARRISTER JULIUS A.N. ELUKPO, PhD
Chief Julius Elukpo, a Lawyer, an Administrator, a Lecturer an Activist, a Politician, etc; was born on 18th April, 1946 at Emi – Edi, Adum Woiwo Area of Nupe/Bassa Nge District of Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The child Julius Elukpo was not born with a silver spoon so to say, but with dint of determination and hard work, he was able to reach the pinnacle of his ambition.
He started his primary school education between 1956-1959 at the then Igala Native Authority (NA) Primary School. Gboloko, and Obtained Primary 4 Leaving Certificate. He completed his Primary seven education between 1960 to 1962 at Saint John’s Anglican Primary School, Akabe, in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In 1963 he was given field appointment by the Federal Office of Statistics, Zaria and was posted to Obangede, then in Kabba Province of Northern Nigeria, now , headquarters of west Senatorial District of Kogi State. He saved most part of his salaries to send himself to secondary school; having come from a poor family background.
He was not satisfied with his employment because he was on the field where he could not see newspapers to read about admission into schools. The office invited him for training in Zaria. He discussed his ambition and predicaments with his brother, Mr B. E. A. Elukpo (of blessed memory), who worked in Kaduna with the Ministry of Works. His matter was discussed with one Mr Idowu, the then Chief Stores Officer, Ministry of Works. Kaduna. He promised to employ him and Julius Elukpo tendered his resignation with the Federal Office of Statistics in Zaria. He was employed and posted to the Stores, Ministry of Works. Kaduna, in 1964. He worked in the Stores as a cleaner. He had the opportunity to be buying Daily Times Newspapers on daily basis, where there were classified Advertisements for schools. In one of the newspapers, there was a competition to complete in twelve words why you drink star beer. Julius Elukpo did as required and posted it to Lagos. He was in the office one day and a letter from Lagos was handed over to him, that he has won the first prize in the entire Northern Region.
The prize was Mobylette Motor cycle, which was presented to him at a ceremony on a Saturday night at Queen’s Hotel, Opposite Administrator’s Office in Kaduna.
The motorcycle was sold in advance to one Mallam Ladan in his office before the presentation. He was one of the well wishers that accompanied him to Queen’s hotel and as the cycle was presented to him, he handed it over to Mallam Ladan. As he was paid by Mallam Ladan by the end of the month; he deposited the money with the Union Bank. He went to Lagos for an Entrance Examination. By the end of 1964, he tendered his letter of Resignation to enable him proceed for further studies.
He sent himself to Secondary School in Lagos in 1965. There, he engaged in private studies in addition at Yaba National College, Yaba Polytechnic and Premier College in Yaba. He obtained his General Certificate of Education, (GCE) at Ordinary Level in 1968.
He applied and was given Admission into the prestigious Federal School of Science, (FSS), Onikan. Lagos, between 1969 to 1971 for his advanced Level. During his final year at the Federal School of Science, the Hungarian Government awarded two Scholarships to Nigerian Government to study Medicine. Kano and Kwara States were the beneficiaries.
He was the beneficiary from Kwara State and Musa Yakubu was the beneficiary from Kano state. Both of them were class mates at the Federal School of Science. The Scholarship does not cover transportation; which was to be provided by the State Government of each student.
The Kwara State Government declined that they were not awarding Scholarship that year and that transport fare forms part of the Scholarship. The then Principal of the Federal School of Science, Alhaji R. A. Folami, wrote an official letter for him to Kwara State Government to see reasons and the need to pay the transport fare to enable him proceed to Hungary to study Medicine. The request was turned down.
Julius Elukpo was stranded for some days in Ilorin for lack of transport fare to travel back to Lagos. He travelled from Ilorin to Lafiagi to see a brother, if he could assist him with transport fare back to Lagos. He was stranded again at Lafiagi to go back to Ilorin. Luck came his way when the then Administrator of Lafiagi Alhaji M. I. Idris, (now in Lokoja), was travelling in his official Public Works Department ‘PWD’ vehicle from Lafiagi to Ilorin and he gave him a free lift back to Ilorin. After few days in Ilorin, he was able to negotiate with a trailer at Maraba Garage and he went back to Lagos. Before he got back to Lagos, Musa Yakubu had left for Hungary. The final examination at the Federal School of Science was completed and he had to settle for Business Administration at the University of Lagos. By then, Mallam Mamman Makele, ‘of blessed memory, “an Oworo from Kogi State”, was the Registrar, University of Lagos’.
His quest to climb academic ladder without minding the circumstances of his birth, led him to the University of Lagos in 1981 for his first degree bagging BSc Hons, 2nd Class , Lower Division in Business Administration.
Dr. Julius Elukpo went Back to his Alma-mater in 1991-1992 for his Master of Science, MSC in the same discipline, Business Administration.
Having acquired the art of running and managing business, and with the passion to challenge injustice and corruption to ensure equality, equity, etc., for humanity, he decided to arm himself with the knowledge that will help him to pursue and to achieve his passion. After the creation of Kogi State, he enrolled for law degree program at the University of Abuja. Abuja. He graduated with 2nd Class Lower Degree in Law LLB in 2004.
After his mandatory one year at the law school. Abuja, he obtained his Barrister at Law, BL. He gained admission to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma; for his Masters degree in Law, and graduated with LLM Degree in 2009.
As a lecturer in Faculty of Management Sciences, Kogi State University. Anyigba, he transferred to the Faculty of Law in the same University after obtaining his Master’s degree in Law. He studied in the same University and obtained his Doctorate Degree, ‘PhD’ in Law specialising on Arbitration in 2018.
He was employed in the Medical Stores at 68 Armed Forces Hospital, Yaba. Lagos, between 1967 to 1968. By then, the Nigerian Civil War had started. He had the opportunity to be recruited into the Nigerian Army and to be trained as an Officer, but for his academic quest to further his education.
In 1971, with the assistance of Aihaji Shehu Musa, ‘of blessed memory, “he was the Secretary to Board of Customs & Excise Headquarters at Tinubu Square in Lagos and later, Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria”, under President Alhaji Shehu Shagari’. He employed him at the Board of Customs and Excise, Harvey Road. Onike , Yaba , Lagos. He refused to be recruited into the Customs as a Uniform Officer because of the desire for higher education coupled with the desire for a result oriented performance, rather than working as a Civil Servant.
He resigned from the Customs Services in 1972 and joined the Midland and Mansfield Insurance Company Ltd as a Sales Inspector. By the end of the first month, that he joined the company, he was adjudged the best sales man of the month, above others that he met there and won the first prize of a Vesper Motor Cycle, It was presented to him at a grand ceremony at No. 19 City Way. Yaba. By the time he was a year old with the Company, he had made enough Commissions and bought a Volkswagen Convertible roof car from Apapa Wharf from one Mr Edward Adole, who came home from Germany.
By 1974 he was the apple of the eyes of many other Insurance Companies in Lagos; wooing him to join them. He became the Lagos State Branch manager of Harmony Insurance Company Limited, with the Office in Ebute Metta, West in Lagos.
In 1975 he Incorporated Atlantic Insurance Company Limited and founded Jullami Elukpo Enterprises; which he manages to date.
Chief Julius Elukpo in his determination in addition to entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities for the younger generations, Registered Atlantic Insurance Company Limited and managed it successfully as the Chief Executive Officer between 1986 to 1994. The then Benue State Government took 20% Equity Participation in the Insurance Company to encourage successful indigenous entrepreneurs. He also founded Insurance Mirror Magazine in 1990. He established Guruzar International Company Limited in 1991 till date.
Between 1982 to 1991 he established Benue Continuing Education Centre, Makurdi, which he used in assisting those that were academically deficient and the adults that were not opportune during their times to have conventional education. The school Certificate drop outs were equally there for remediation.
When Kogi State was created, he contested the Governorship Election under the Social Democratic Party, ‘SDP’, and lost.
He resolved that there were much injustice and corruption in society and he decided to go back to school to read Law and to equip himself for the challenges ahead . By then, the daughter was already a qualified Lawyer and he was almost a class mate with his son in the Law Class rooms.
Based on his entrepreneur experiences, he resolved that to avoid being plunged into liquidation problems, as a result of bad management, fraud, dishonesty, etc., he decided to dilute the share holdings of Atlantic Insurance Co Ltd before proceeding for further studies. Leadway Assurance Company Limited acquired Atlantic Insurance Company Limited.
Dr J.AN. Elukpo who meant different things to different people on the accounts of his determination, honesty, courage, Human Rights activism, challenge against corruption, injustice, etc., decided to impart his knowledge on Youths. He moved his services to the Kogi State University, Anyigba, as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences between 2004 to 2009. He moved to the Faculty of Law between 2010 to 2021. Throughout his time in the University, he was a model to the students, the Lecturers and the workers alike. He could boast that no student has ever induced him in any capacity and ramifications before disengaging from the University.
He combined Academics with the activities of Elukpo, Elukpo and Co. Chambers (Legal Practitioners) located at Julius Elukpo Estate, Lokoja. Kogi State, from 2007 to date.
While in the University, Julius Elukpo taught his students in the areas of Company Law, Business Law; Law of Contract, Oil and Gas Law , Commercial Law; Intellectual Property Law, Banking and Insurance Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution ‘ADR’, Arbitration, among others.
He also lectured graduate students on Corporate Governance, Research Methodology, etc.
As a requirement for the award of BSc, MSc, LLB, LLM and PhD degrees; Dr. Julius Elukpo has written theses on: Strategic Management, The Effectiveness of Insurance Services in Nigeria, An Appraisal of the Effectiveness of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ‘ICPC’ Act. Auditors and Audit Committee in Corporate Governance, and Arbitration in Nigeria.
His Academic Responsibilities while a Lecturer include: Law Clinic workshop and public presentation of faculty Journal, kogi state University, faculty of Law , Chairman Organising Committee 2021. Chairman, Project Assessment and Moderation panel, faculty of Law kogi state university, Anyigba 2021. Chairman Projects Defense, faculty of Law KSU. 2019. Chairman Accreditation Committee Security and Religious matters, Faculty of Law 2018 ; Member of Panel of Long Essay Defence 2018. Chairman of the Law Library Audit Committee 2019 , Member, Kogi East Elders’ Advisory Council, 2015 to date; Chairman, Kogi Elders’ Forum 2014 to date. Member, National Universities Commission (NUC) Accreditation team to kogi state University, Anyigba, 2014. Member, Accreditation team to Federal University of Science and Technology, Minna, Niger state, 2014. Chairman, National Universities Commission, (NUC) Board Committee on Review of NUC Act and Education; National Minimum Standard and Establishment of Institutions Act. 2013.; National Universities Commission Abuja, Member Governing Board 2013-2015. Faculty of Law, kogi state university Anyigba, Protocol, Welfare and Logistics Committee, Member 2012. Kogi State University Anyigba, students Union Government Election Tribunal, Chairman 2011.
Member, Board of Trustees, Conference of Northern States Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), 2011. Kogi State University Anyigba lecturer 2004-2021.
Elukpo, Elukpo & Co. Legal Practitioners, Principal Counsel, 2007 to date.
Kogi state University, Faculty of Management Sciences Anyigba, Examination Malpractices Committee, Chairman, 2009. Kogi State University Anyigba, Faculty of Management Sciences. Lecturer 2004 -2009
Report of the Executive Advisory Committee to the Dean of Management Sciences of the Blueprint for Moving Forward the Faculty of Management Sciences of Kogi State University, Anyigba. Chairman.
Kogi Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture. Board of Governors, 2004-2007. Arewa Consultative Forum, kogi State Chapter; Secretary, 2004-2007.
Jane Palace Hotel ( Chairman 1998 to date).
Kogi Elders’ Forum, Secretary 1995-2014
Nigerian Institute of Management, Chairman kogi State Branch 1992 to 1997.
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Secretary, 1994.
In the Course of his Mandate in the University, Business world and in the Services to Humanity, he has earned awards and prizes from notable Institutions across the Country.
Street name after him; ‘Julius Elukpo street’, Lokoja.
‘Julius Elukpo Estate’, Lokoja.
Anlele Life time Achievement award, 2018
Notary public by the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2018.
Kogi state, Patriotism Award 2017.
National Association of kogi state Medical Students (NAKOMS) Award for Excellence 2016.
Nigerian Institute of Management ( chartered)
Lokoja/Ajaokuta chapter.
Bassa Local Government Transformation Youth Network (BALGTRYN).
In Recognition of His Selfless Services: to Students Youth movement, 2014
Award of Certificate of Commendation by Diocese of Lokoja Church of Nigeria ( Anglican Communion) Saint Peter’s Anglican Church. Lokongoma, Lokoja. kogi State, 2013
Award of Honours by kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry , Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), 2009.
Conferment of Traditional Chieftaincy Title of Makama of Adum Woiwo Development Association, 2002.
In recognition of his avowed commitment to positively impact on the society, he was given appointments to further enhance quality of lives of citizenry by notable organizations.
In 2020 till date, Julius Elukpo PhD was appointed Legal Adviser by Amana Farmers’ and Grains Suppliers Association of Nigeria (AFGSAN)
Chairman and Chief Launcher , Movement for the Creation of kogi State in the then Benue State in 1982. Patron, Michael Omonogun Memorial Secondary school Alumni Association, 2018,
Legal Adviser, Yekope, International Christian Ministries and Orphanage Home, 2018 to date.
Legal Adviser, Pure Water Producers’ Association. Kogi State. 2008 to 2020
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Legal Adviser, Local Gins Dealers Association. Kogi State. 2018 to date.
Member, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Youth Graduate Assembly (NYGA) 2018.
Chairman, white paper Report on Screening of Gubernatorial Aspirants from Kogi East Senatorial zone 2019.
Dr JAN Elukpo belongs to numerous Professional and Academic Bodies, including:
Fellow Institute of Management Consultants 2021.
Fellow Institute of Management Specialists UK 2021.
Certified Management Consultant 2021.
Certified Management Specialist 2021.
Fellow Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators 2018.
Fellow Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) 2017.
Professional Negotiators and Mediators 2006.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) 2006.
Chartered Institute of Personnel Management 1994.
Institute of Training and Development 1997.
Member, Nigerian Bar Association ‘NBA’ Section on Business Law 2007 to date.
Member Nigerian Bar Association, 2007 to date.
Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Electoral Committee 2021; wherein he was adjudged to have conducted the most credible and transparent Elections ever witnessed.
He has published Articles in reputable (both local and International) Journals.
An appraisal of effectiveness of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act 2004, in Journal of the faculty of Management Sciences Kogi state University Anyigba Vol.2 nos.2.
Essay on Law of Contract ( ISBN978-2859-978) 2006.
Auditors and Audit Committee in Corporate Governance, in Journal of the Faculty of Management Sciences kogi State University, Anyigba. vol.1.June, 2006( ISBN3212-31-2×2) 2006.
Insurance Mirror Magazine 1990
Arbitration in Nigeria ( ISBN9789964451) 2021.
Auditors and Audit Committee in Corporate Governance (ISBN9789789973934) 2021
A Practical Approach to Research Writing for Lawyers (ISBN9789789973934) 2022.
Dr Julius Elukpo has traversed through the world of Insurance, Management, Academics and now desirous of serving the people, through political platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party, ‘PDP’ as foremost Aspirant in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Election in Kogi State to avail his knowledge and Experience to his people in the State in particular and in Nigeria in general.
