Source: United Nations (video statements)
As a child Ozonnia Ojielo survived a brutal civil war in his native Nigeria in which starvation was used as a weapon. After training as a lawyer, an encounter with fellow survivors gave him new purpose and propelled him to his current role as the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia.
“She started crying. All the other guests started crying. I started crying as well. There I was, a very successful lawyer making a lot of money. But I said to myself, this is much more valuable. Trying to change people’s lives, or at least be there as a voice for them.”
From Rwanda to Sierra Leone to Ethiopia, Ozonnia Ojielo has supported communities around the world as they navigate difficult journeys from violence to peace. In this episode, he reflects on the long shadow of genocide, on the delicate work of reintegrating both perpetrators and victims, and shares why the biggest currency the world can offer young people is hope.
[00:00] Introduction
[00:57] Growing up during the Nigerian civil war
[06:10] Parents’ commitment to education
[08:52] Discovering a life of service
[15:25] Supporting women and children affected by conflict
[18:43] Leaving law behind for humanitarian work
[20:00] Sacrifices and education as a family value
[21:51] The relationship between peacebuilding and development
[24:35] Life and work in Kyrgyzstan
[28:18] Working in post-genocide Rwanda
[31:00] The war in Sudan and the importance of hope
[32:28] Challenges facing Ethiopia today
[35:36] What keeps Ozonnia awake at night
[38:05] Closing remarks
Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
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About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.