BARR. SIMON CHUZI EGEDE (MON): A LIFE OF SERVICE, LEADERSHIP AND IMPACT.
By Comr. Elloh Sunday Uguruw
18th August 2026
There are careers that are defined by positions held, and there are careers that are defined by the lives touched and the difference made. The story of Barr. Simon Chuzi Egede (MON) belongs to the latter.
A respected lawyer, seasoned public servant, administrator and philanthropist, Barr. Chuzi Egede has built a remarkable career spanning the state and federal levels of government. His journey is one of dedication, competence, humility and service to humanity.
Born on 23 June 1963 in Utonkon District of the Idoma Valley, Benue State, Nigeria, Barr. Chuzi began his educational journey at John Bosco College, Doma, Nasarawa State, where he completed his secondary education in 1980. Driven by a passion for law and public service, he proceeded to the prestigious University of Jos, graduating with an LL.B. (Hons.) in 1985.
From the beginning of his professional career, Barr. Chuzi demonstrated the discipline and commitment that would later define his public service. He rose steadily through the ranks, taking on responsibilities that demanded not only legal expertise but also leadership, sound judgment and administrative ability.
His service to the Benue State Government saw him occupy several important positions. Between October 1991 and July 1996, he served as Secretary/Legal Adviser to Radio Benue, Makurdi, and subsequently served as Acting General Manager of Radio Benue between 1994 and 1996.
His legal career continued to flourish when he became Director of Civil Litigation in the Benue State Ministry of Justice, a position he held for an impressive 15 years and six months, from January 2005 to June 2020. In this capacity, he was involved in the management of civil litigation and played an important role in advancing the legal interests of the state.
In recognition of his experience and competence, Barr. Chuzi was appointed Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Benue State Ministry of Justice in June 2020. He served in that capacity for three years and five months, until June 2023, when he proceeded on compulsory retirement.
But Barr. Chuzi’s professional story extends far beyond Benue State.
At the national level, he served as Executive Secretary of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) between 2009 and 2011, during the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. His tenure at NAPTIP was marked by notable service and performance, earning him the prestigious National Honour of Member of the Order of Niger (MON).
His experience in the Federal Government continued after his tenure at NAPTIP. He served as Legal Adviser at the Code of Conduct Bureau, Abuja, from April 2012 to March 2013. He was also appointed Acting Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) at the Federal Ministry of Justice between May and October 2013. During this period, he handled sensitive legal matters, including issues concerning inmates who had spent extended periods awaiting trial.
Barr. Chuzi also served as Senior Special Assistant to two Attorneys-General and Ministers of Justice at different times. He served under Chief Mike Kaase Aondaka from 2007 to 2009 and later under Mohammed Bello Adoke from 2013 to 2015.
Beyond the titles and offices, however, lies another dimension of Barr. Chuzi’s life that many people have come to admire: his commitment to people.
Over the years, he has received awards and recognitions from various national and international organisations for his humanitarian contributions. His impact has not been limited to the courtroom or government offices. At different points in his career, he has supported young people by creating opportunities for employment and encouraging them to pursue productive and meaningful lives.
He is regarded as a man with strong abilities in strategic planning, project management, customer service management, advocacy and legal practice.
Yet, despite the many responsibilities and honours that have come his way, Barr. Chuzi is known for maintaining a simple and approachable lifestyle.
His background is also deeply rooted in traditional leadership. He is a Prince and the son of HRH Matthew Egede of Ufia Kingdom, the current Olong Nwe Ufia, the Paramount Ruler of Ufia. This heritage of leadership and responsibility has been reflected in his own commitment to service and community development.
For Barr. Simon Chuzi Egede, public service has never been merely about occupying an office. It has been about using every opportunity to contribute to society, mentor others and leave a positive mark.
His journey from Utonkon to the University of Jos, from the Benue State Ministry of Justice to national institutions such as NAPTIP, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Federal Ministry of Justice, is a testament to perseverance and professional excellence.
Today, Barr. Chuzi Egede can look back on a career defined not only by the positions he attained, but also by the people he influenced and the opportunities he helped create.
He remains, in the words of those who know him, a simple man, a jolly good fellow and a person who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigerian youths.
His story is ultimately a reminder that true success is not measured solely by the height one reaches, but by the number of people one lifts along the way.
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