Category: Editorial

Ify Ike

Ifeoma is a first-generation social-impact entrepreneur, attorney and professor with a deep career in social and civic empowerment, and a public leader in key social issues including the state of women and girls of color, diversity and inclusion, tech equity, and mental health. An award winning problem-solver, Ifeoma is the co-founder of Black and Brown People Vote, Black Policy Lab and the founding partner of The PC Way, also known as Pink Cornrows, which centers and trains diverse communities to champion equitable policies. An accomplished political leader, Ifeoma was a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow and served as a policy advisor and counsel in Congress, ran for office in New York City, and served as the Transition Chair of NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, leading the redesign of the second highest office in New York City. Ifeoma is also a professor at Lehman College for both their Political Science and Africana/African-American Studies Departments.

Barrister Esther Uzoma

Esther Uzoma is a human rights activist and lawyer. She is the national coordinator for Proactive Gender Initiatives, an NGO that protects and advocates for the rights of women, children and vulnerable persons. She is the co-convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, an umbrella body for NGOs in Nigeria.

She is also the principal partner at Heptagon & Associates law firm where she has been a pioneer in utilizing dynamic methods for the enforcement of human rights for all.

Esther is married with two adult children who are also following her footsteps as practitioners of the law.

Vivian Nwakah

Vivian Nwakah is CEO and Founder of Medsaf. Medsaf is a one stop shop for healthcare stakeholders to purchase, manage, and track medications. Medsaf has subsidiary operations in emerging markets such as Nigeria.
Vivian was born and raised in the United States mostly in the northern Chicago suburbs. She attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for undergraduate studies and went to IAE Sorbonne, in Paris France, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, and J. Mack Robinson Business School in Atlanta, Georgia.

Vivian has had an interesting career pursing her passions. Vivian was the youngest manager for Wells Fargo Financial a financial services off-shoot of Wells Fargo Bank where she was consistently top sales person in the Midwest Region.

Vivian ran a political campaign for alderman in Chicago Illinois and was able to lead the campaign to front-runner status with endorsements from the Democratic National Committee, Chicago Teacher’s Union, and AFSCME union.

Vivian went on to help start a chain of home health care agencies which exposed her to entrepreneurship and the business side of health care.

Vivian decided to go global and landed in Lagos, Nigeria for the first time in 2013. Before launching Medsaf, she started a hybrid-diesel solar company focused on commercial and industrial installations. 

Moderator: Chiamaka Nwafor 

Panelists: 

• Esther Uzoma – National Coordinator of the Proactive Gender Initiatives, PGI
• Dr. Anthony Ejiofor – Chairman, World Igbo Congress
• Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Onyereri – Chairman, House Committee On Banking And Currency, House Of Representatives

The position of Igbo people in modern Nigeria has remained precarious since the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War. In current society, Igbos remain marginalized and ethnic tensions continue to build with little resolution in sight. We continue to survive and thrive despite the problematic sociopolitical climate of Nigeria. In addition, Nigeria faces other significant issues that are caused by a culmination of unhealthy cultural practices, bound to damage the nations fabric; such as its rape culture. Our panelists will discuss a variety of current events affecting not just Igbos, but also the nation; including the presence of Fulani herdsmen in Igbo land, the Nigerian rape culture, and the modern Igbo statecraft and geopolitics of national survival in a multiethnic Nigeria.

Moderators: 

• Ijeoma Anadu Okoli, Co-Founder of Umu Igbo Unite Corporation & Sr. Program Manager, Baker Hughes
• Emeka Okpukpara, Co-Founder of Umu Igbo Unite Corporation & Partner, Nextier Power

Panelists:

• Lady Onyeka Onwenu, Multi-talented Nigerian Artiste, a Broadcaster, Journalist, Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Social activist and Politician
• Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, President and CEO of Sogato Strategies LLC; Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Biafran war. Join us as we discuss Biafra, 50 years on, and have a conversation on where we are now vs where we should be. 

When the Biafran war is discussed in the Igbo community, there is so much sadness understandably so, as most Igbo families lost loved ones, homes, businesses, etc. However, Igbos are a resilient people, because they continue to thrive. As Nigeria continues to go through the storming phase (lack of leadership, corruption, failed healthcare and education systems, and more), there is a need to discuss how we get to a norming phase; that is inclusive for all Igbos. This panel will feature the legend that is Lady Onyeka Onwenu and fellow intellectual; Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, as they share their thoughts on where Igbo people are today and what the future holds.

HON. SIR JONES VICTOR CHUKWUDI ONYERERI, KSP

CHAIRMAN HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Brilliant, articulate and well-grounded in the science and art of governance is an apt description of Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri, KSP., Member, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba Federal Constituency of Imo State and the Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency. 

Born on 15th July, 1967 to the family of late Venerable and Nneoha J.D.J Onyereri of Imo State, he epitomizes passion and focus for his chosen career and this he exhibited from a very young age and in his professional life as a Microbiologist/Biochemist/Business Administrator/Public Relations Consultant. His pedigree, up to the last generation is a note to be reckoned with; a son to a renowned and highly respected Arch Deacon of the Anglican church, Venerable J.D.J. Onyereri, who was popularly known and is remembered today with his famous maxim, “ udo diri unu”(May Peace dwell with you). A true son of his father, Hon Jones, obviously understands the import of that maxim; he immortalizes his father by not just adopting the maxim as his political slogan but pragmatically exuding peace and love among his people.  Today Hon. Jones Onyereri himself is known with that maxim. 

Young Jones attended the prestigious and renowned College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu and Federal Government College, Port Harcourt for his secondary/Higher School Education. Having achieved success at these levels, he proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Microbiology/Biochemistry and later a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing. His determination to acquire more knowledge prompted his return to University of Nigeria Enugu campus where he obtained an Executive Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Marketing/Public Relations. Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri is also a proud holder of ASCON certificate in Public Administration and has attended various executive leadership programmes at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School, USA. These exposures must have triggered the wonderful leadership qualities we are experiencing in our constituency today.

The distinctive traits that make him a sterling politician started at an early age. At a very young age, Hon. Onyereri was appointed the Chief Protocol Officer to His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Executive Governor of Enugu state. He later served as a Consultant, House Committee on Transport, House of Representatives, Abuja. 

The need to provide the dividends of democracy and empower his people led Hon. Onyereri to contest the 2011 election to the House of Representatives. In recognition of his leadership qualities, unparalleled humility and the zeal to improve the lives of his people, the good people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency of Imo State elected him to the House of Representatives.

His appointment as the Chairman of the very important House Committee on Banking and Currency, despite the fact that he was a first timer, was a huge testament to Hon. Onyereri’s political acumen and dexterity.  As he served in this all important powerful Committee, his dauntless courage, brilliance and eloquence swiftly made it possible for him to be one of the arrowheads of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banking reforms. As the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Onyereri did everything possible to overhaul the Nigeria cum Africa banking/financial sector by sponsoring different bills, motions and also through public hearings conducted by the Banking and Currency Committee under his leadership. Some of the Bills sponsored by Hon. Jones Onyereri include the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act Amendment Bill 2013, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act Amendment Bill 2014 and Nigerian Export Import Bank Establishment Act Amendment Bill 2012.

Under his chairmanship, the House committee, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, made tremendous efforts to drive the process of financial inclusion and worked together with the monetary authority/monetary policy committee of the central bank to bring down the monetary policy rate and invariably the interest rate. 

Hon. Onyereri also served in other House Committees where he contributed immensely and creditably in the legislative process.

In recognition of his stellar representation in the 7th National Assembly, the people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency re-elected Hon. Jones Onyereri to a second term in the House of Representative thus making him the first person since the inception of our current democratic journey to be elected for a second term in the House of Representatives.

In addition to this historic feat, Hon Jones Onyereri equally achieved another historic feat in the House of Representative by being the first member to be appointed as chairman of the strategic and grade A committee, the House Committee on Banking and Currency for two consecutive terms. 

His contributions to the political cum parliamentary development, the society, improvement of the well-being of the masses and selfless services to humanity were recognized and appreciated by corporate organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Students Movement within and outside Africa as he was conferred with numerous awards, laurels and prizes including but not limited to:

• Ambassador of goodwill to the State of Arkansas by then Governor Bill Clinton.
• Outstanding Merit Award (Rotary International Club of Enugu) 
• Flag Bearer of Cancer Advocacy in Nigeria by the International Cancer Initiative.
• Nehemiah Award by the Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion
• Joshua of Our Time by the Holy Trinity Church, Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion, Amaigbo, Imo State.
• Most Outstanding Lawmaker for South East by the Africa Business Week in association with Nigeria-German Business Association and Disciples of Democracy Magazine.
• Fellow Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria.
• Merit Award by the Orlu Zonal Council of Ndi Eze
• Nigerian Union of Journalist Legacy Award for Quality Representation.
• Merit Award by Amaokpara Patriotic Union Lagos Branch.
• Personality Award by the Imo State PDP Women Activists.
• Award of Excellence by Nkwerre Student Association
• Award of Appreciation by university of Uyo.
• Award of Recognition by Orlu Progressive Association.
• Most Outstanding Lawmaker (2014) by Disciples of Democracy.
• Most Distinguished Service Award by International Inner Wheel District 913.
• Award of Honour by Law Students Association Imo State University.
• Ezinwa Award by Diocese of Orlu.

Hon. Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri have not derailed in his quest to improve the lives of the down trodden, be a symbol of justice and the mouthpiece of the less privileged as he has sponsored and co-sponsored people oriented motions and petitions for the upliftment and empowerment of his people.

Hon. Onyereri has equally initiated, attracted and executed various constituency projects in order to bring dividends of democracy to his people. Some of these projects include road construction, provision of solar powered street lights, provision of transformers, water bore-holes, construction of classroom blocks with VIP toilets, construction of ICT centers, empowerment of constituents through the award of scholarships, distribution of Keke – Napep, motorcycles, Sewing Machines and cars, and sponsorship of youths and women to various training programmes. 

Hon. Onyereri is a devout Christian who is a Knight of the Order of Saint Paul (KSP). He is indeed a public relations guru turned politician, experienced consultant, political gladiator, veteran welfarist, distinguished African, business mogul and man of history with unbeatable profile of achievements and selfless services to Humanity.

Hon. Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri is married to Barr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Claire Onyereri and blessed with five Children.

Moderator: Uju Obianwu – Events and Community Service Chair, UIU DMV & Social Activist

Panelists: 

• Adaobi Okolue – Executive Director Of Twin Cities Media Alliance (TCMA) & Publisher, The Twin Cities Daily Planet
• Ify Ike – Co-Founding Partner, Think Rubix, LLC, & Co-Founder, Black and Brown People Vote, Black Policy Lab
• Sam Acho – NFL Player, Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Founder / President, Athletes For Justice & Vice President Of The NFL Players Association

Over the last few weeks, we have experienced unrivaled civil unrest in this nation we call home. The inexcusable loss of black lives due to police brutality or racism has triggered an outpouring of protests for racial justice around the world. For the first time in our generation, the nation appears to have reached critical mass–the point where enough people are dissatisfied with the status quo, and are pushing for real change. As Igbo’s in America, we want to be clear that we stand with our black brothers and sisters in the fight for racial justice. We reject the perception that black immigrants and their offsprings are exempt from the same issues as American blacks, because while our history and experiences may differ, racial bias does not distinguish between nationalities. As Igbos in America, we are wholly aware that a fight for the civil rights of black Americans, is a fight for our civil rights. Our panelists will discuss racial injustice in America from multiple perspectives and propose ways that we can help make the change that this country desperately needs. 

DJ FRESHYK

DJ FRESHYK is a NY based DJ, that is quickly taking over the music scene. From spinning turntables and rocking the MIC at major concerts, opening for popular African Artists (such as: Jidenna, PSquare, Olamide, Davido and Wizkid) to playing at prestigious African Award shows like Miss Nigeria USA, NEA Award After party Afrimma Awards or charity events like Kor Foundation, universities or colleges such as Rutgers university NJ, popular nightclubs and intimate weddings; DJ FRESHYK is your favorite ‘to go to’ DJ that will be sure to make your event an experience to never forget.

When it comes to professionalism, versatility, experience and overall quality; DJ FRESHYK delivers excellence. Born and raised in Nigeria, DJ FRESHYK (also known as ‘Kelvin’) at a young age, considered music to be a form of language whereas ‘Where words fail, Music Speaks’. Great musical icons such as: Fela Kuti and Michael Jackson inspired Kelvin to develop a talent for drums in his community church. Naturally an ‘entertainer’ by heart, Kelvin once modeled with ‘Stainless Modeling Agency’ in Lagos, Nigeria in addition to teaching popular African dances in Europe Russia where he attended college.

His fluency in English, his native language Igbo and Russian has paved the way for him to appeal and relate to his many followers worldwide. Apart from living out his passion as a DJ; Kelvin loves cooking, outdoor sports and traveling. DJFRESHYK specializes in: Afrobeat, Soca, R&b Hiphop and Pop just to name a few. He is an official 2016 NEA (Nigerian Entertainment Award) nominee for Best Diaspora Dj and AFRIMMA AWARD. DJFRESHY’s ultimate goal is to entertain you and build Africans music to a phenomenal worldwide status.

DJ Holup

Hailing from Abia State, DJ Hol Up is a New York Based talented Afrobeats DJ on a mission: bringing great African music to the world! Hol Up spins everywhere from Mexico, Los Angeles, Lagos, Miami, Houston & NYC. This talented DJ also has a huge following only, counting well over 15 million streams on Soundcloud. In addition to his own DJ career, Hol Up also started a prolific monthly Afrobeats mix series called the “Afrobeats Update , connecting listeners with new afrobeats music from all over the globe.

D.J. Meshell

Michelle Umachi or DJ Me-Shell hails from Abia State and resides in Houston, Texas. She has  been DJing for the past 5 years and is a  member of UIU Houston. 

D.J. Show 

Musician, songwriter, producer and DJ, Show hails out of Atlanta, Ga. Currently the resident DJ and manger of Cephora Lounge, Show has been spinning for four years. He is most known for versatility, versed in afrobeats, dancehall, hip hop, reggae and many other genres. From weddings to corporate events to birthday parties, Show does it all.

Moderator: Chike Ukaegbu – Founder/CEO, Startup52 & Nigerian Presidential Candidate 2019

Panelists: 

• Vivian Nwakah – Founder/CEO, Medsaf
• Nnamdi Nwoke – Founder/CEO, Suade Group & Head of US Growth Marketing, SAP Concur
• Charles Okpaleke – Founder/CEO, PLAY Network Africa & Philanthropist

The winners in business have shifted markedly in the last decade. From leveraging on social media to digital innovation, the business environment continues to evolve with time. We present a panel of successful Igbo business       minds and entrepreneurs from various industries, who will share innovative ideas, lessons and through personal experiences and stories, what it takes to succeed in this decade. Given the relentlessness of change on multiple dimensions and fronts in the business landscape, the keys to success are likely to be just as different in ten years’ time. What will it take to win in the 2020s?

D.J. Prince

DJ Prince  is a Boston based Open Format DJ. Born and Raised in Nigeria, Abia State. He was exposed to music while playing instruments for the church choir and school band. His admiration for  music coupled with his passion for dancing led to him a career in entertainment. His household reputation in Boston has seen him emerge as the go-to-dj for Afro-Caribbean events and inevitably led him to work with/open for industries bests such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Flavor. Tekno, Mr. Eazi, Kizz Daniel, Teni, Rema, and even American Rappers like A Boogie with the Hoodie, ASAP Ferg, Young MA.

His Anchor saying of, “Bring out your passports, we’re going on a musical journey” has enabled attendees to embrace sounds from the other side. An enthusiast of good music, an energetic dancer and a crowd controller, DJ Prince is the modern day entertainer whose vibe is contagious at any occasion.

Uju Obianwu

Uju is the Events and Community Service Chair for UIU DMV. She is a digital strategist, content marketer, and social activist based in the DMV area. 

Sam Acho

Sam Acho is an NFL player, writer, public speaker, humanitarian and follower of Jesus Christ. He speaks widely at colleges, events, conferences, and churches and is the co-host of The Home Team Podcast. He is the proud founder and president of Athletes for Justice as well as  vice president of the NFL players association where his main goal is to advocate for NFL players around the league. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona. 

Every year he joins his family on a medical mission trip to Nigeria, and is currently helping to raise $2 million to continue building the Living Hope Medical Center there through Living Hope Christian Ministries, an organization founded by his parents. He has a beautiful Ngozi and three dynamic children, Caleb, Sophia and Kelechi.

His new book, Let the World See You: How to be Real in a World Full of Fakes is available NOW for pre-order at SamAchoBook.com. 

Adaobi Okolue

Adaobi Okolue is the executive director of Twin Cities Media Alliance (TCMA), and publisher of TCMA’s flagship project, the Twin Cities Daily Planet – an award-winning online news publication dedicated to amplifying and connecting marginalized voices. Prior to TCMA, Adaobi was the principal strategist at Coloring Circles LLC – a marketing studio in Minneapolis that works with mission-driven organizations, initiatives and artists.

Adaobi is often seen as an instigator for thinking of fresh, smart ways for solving problems, and is known for exploring the intersections of multimedia, creativity and innovation, story and activism in her work. She has been a featured guest speaker on MPR News’ discussion about Black Lives Matter and media, Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, The Loft Literary Center’s Curated By series, The Common Table’s Writing and Art for Justice, and Pollen Midwest. 

Adaobi has served on countless committees, panels, boards and commissions for organizations in the Twin Cities like Minneapolis Arts Commission, Minnesota State Arts Board, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, International Association of Business Communicators and Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-Twin Cities. She is also a Roy Wilkins Policy Fellow.

Hailing originally from Anambra, Nigeria, Adaobi is known as a writer, visual and performance artist, and producer. She was a contributing artist to renowned Sha Cage’s and Signe Harriday’s Mama Mosaic – where she was featured in critically-acclaimed Blacker the Berry ensemble and exhibit at Intermedia Arts and Playwright’s Center. She is a Givens Foundation Black Writers Collaborative Fellow and VONA Writing Workshop alum. Currently, Adaobi serves as a board member for the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council. 

Chike Ukaegbu

Chike is a tech entrepreneur, educator, and humanitarian, working at the intersection of public service and innovation. He is the founder of Startup52, NYC’s first diversity-focused and award winning tech accelerator. Startup52 focuses on creating better access to resources, capital and support for founders from untapped communities. He has counseled more than 25 international delegations on building inclusive tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems. He briefed President Obama’s White House and the My Brother’s Keeper initiative on empowering untapped and underserved communities via tech, education, and entrepreneurship.

At 35, Chike’s presidential candidacy in Nigeria made him the youngest Black person to run for President in Africa and globally. Among other accolades, Chike was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the UN backed Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) as its first Global Young Leader honoree, and have been recognized nationally and internationally for his commitment to inclusive diversity, Africa and people of African descent, and empowerment through tech, education, and entrepreneurship.

Chike studied Venture Capital & Investments at Stanford, MBA courses at UPenn, Executive Leadership and Management at Cornell University, Biomedical Engineering at The City College of New York, where he taught Math for seven years and served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence for two, and is currently working on his Executive MBA at Howard University and a Masters in Management at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Nnamdi Nwoke

Nnamdi Nwoke is an award-winning corporate leader and entrepreneur with 15+ years of marketing, branding, and business strategy experience. He has worked with Fortune 500 brands including IBM, Adobe, Viacom, Frito-Lay, Universal Music Group and, most recently, SAP.

Since 2011, Nnamdi has led strategy at multiple businesses including a digital agency, film studio, and medical practice where his clients included Viacom properties BET & VH1, Discovery Inc, Samsung, Sony Playstation, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Comcast Xfinity and PepsiCo’s Gatorade.  He has also served as a repeat speaker and presenter at the Adobe Summit in Las Vegas and CONEX (Content Experience) Conference in Toronto Canada.

Nnamdi has been a featured speaker at various industry conferences including SAP Ignite, Adobe Summit, Gartner Marketing Symposium, and CONEX. Today, he is the Head of US Growth Marketing at SAP Concur and Founder/CEO at the Suade Group.

CHARLES OKPALEKE

Charles Okpaleke is an impact driven leader and serial entrepreneur in African entertainment, well established across the nightlife, media, events and hospitality sectors. Together with his brothers, Okpaleke cofounded Play Network in 2008, a conglomerate that has now grown to become a media, entertainment and luxury lifestyle powerhouse, including brands such as Play Imperial, Play Hilton, 345 Nightlife, The Underground Lagos, to mention a few.

As an individual passionate about the African continent, sharing her stories and connecting her people, Charles Okpaleke continues to invest in ventures that he believes will support his vision of a positively projected Africa, and a consciously united African people. He has done this through ventures such as the Africa Unite Concerts, a cross-country concert uniting people of all races through entertainment, Living in Bondage, a multi award winning remake of the Nigerian classic movie that premiered Nollywood, the Political Leadership Among Youths Forum (P.L.A.Y. Forum) that encourages and facilitates socio-political interaction among young Africans, to mention a few. He was appointed on the board of Rotary Club of Abuja Federal and was instrumental in the lobbying and subsequent passing of the Not Too Young To Run Bill in Nigeria. He is a practicing Christian with an unwavering faith centred belief system that stems from his strong catholic background.

Through the Play Network MBA fund in 2019, Charles Okpaleke fully sponsored selected young Nigerian graduates seeking an international MBA with Nexford University. He single-handedly raised 15 million Naira via his social media page in April 2020, in response to the COVID19 crisis in Nigeria, where funds were deployed to over 10,000 underprivileged Nigerians in the cities of Lagos, Abuja and Owerri, through the provision of food, cash, and other emergency relief materials. Through the Play Network Foundation, Charles Okpaleke also funded a programme for young African entrepreneurs whose businesses have been hit by the COVID19 pandemic, to apply for grants through a 1 minute video, briefly narrating their set back, highlighting how said grant will positively impact their business. He is an advocate of gender equality, with a conscious 50:50 representation of both sexes in managerial roles across his businesses. In 2016, he established the Play Woman- an inclusive women empowerment initiative that aims to support women in business. The Play Woman through her initiative ‘Shop and Slay’ has empowered over 200 women in business in 2020 alone, through the provision of a prepaid rent-free location where women sell their goods and services once a month to a varied audience. He actively encourages African youth participation in the politics through innovative means. In 2019, he organised a Play Network PVC Drive, a free BBQ style drive held at a Permanent Voters Card Registration Centre in Abuja, Nigeria during the 2019 elections, in a bid to encourage young eligible Nigerians to obtain their permanent voters card, and exercise their civic duty. He continues to mentor young Africans seeking life balance through guidance in self-discovery, individuality, faith and business.

Madam Onyeka Onwenu

Lady Onyeka Onwenu is a multi-talented Nigerian Artiste, a Broadcaster, Journalist, Singer /songwriter, Actress, Social activist and Politician. Ms Onwenu, with a career spanning over five decades, has distinguished herself in every area of expertise she has chosen to be involved in and more.

She is the writer of  her own autobiography – My Father’s Daughter, due out in August 2020. This groundbreaking book has been described by Mr Chuks Iloegbunam, a notable writer and columnist as “an autobiography, the like of which has never been written by a Nigerian. It is at once  a personal story and a contemporary history of Nigeria that critically analyzes the Nigerian civil war – the hopes that propelled Biafra and how the flame of the new republic was extinguished”. 

The multiple award-winning Artiste is a graduate of Wellesley College, Massachusetts & the New School for Social Research in New York, where she obtained a B.A in International Relations & Communication and a Masters’ Degree in Media Studies respectively.

Lady Onyeka, blessed with two sons, is no doubt a positive influence and role model for many, men and women.

Dr. Kingsley Moghalu

Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

Dr. Kingsley Moghalu is the President and CEO of Sogato Strategies LLC, a global strategy and risk advisory firm in Washington, DC. He was Professor of Practice in International Business and Public Policy at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and previously served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009-2014. He also worked for the United Nations for 17 years in strategic planning, legal and external affairs roles at duty stations at the UN Headquarters in New York and in Cambodia, Croatia, Rwanda, and Switzerland, rising to the highest career rank of Director and on a special assignment at the level of Under-Secretary-General.

Kingsley Moghalu obtained his Ph.D. at the London School of Economics, an M.A. from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and the LL.B. from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and received executive education at Harvard Business School, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Institute. He is the author of several books including the critically acclaimed Emerging Africa: How the Global Economy’s Last Frontier Can Prosper and Matter.

Dr. Moghalu was a candidate for the Office of the President of Nigeria in the 2019 elections.

ANTHONY OKECHUKWU EJIOFOR, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology and Chairman of World Igbo Congress

MOTIVATION AND OBJECTIVE
Anthony Ejiofor is a driven and brilliant microbiology professor with strong oral and written communication skills, willing to contribute his area of expertise and experience in educational development and nation building based on community leadership, administrative, teaching, research and biotechnology experience. His dedication and passion to perfect his job continues to be very helpful in addressing the scientific needs and concerns of diverse populations including students at Tennessee State University and immigrant Communities in the USA. He has a strong desire to continue to meet institutional and national needs in a manner that will enable him use his professional experience in strong strategic, research, analytical and organizational skills anchored on a strong educational background, ability to work well with people, project management and community development experience. All these experiences make him a highly versatile professional who could venture into new areas and excel.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Anthony Ejiofor holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and is a full professor and faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences at Tennessee State University where he has served and has continued to serve in various capacities such as Faculty Senator, Departmental Assessment officer for institutional planning and assessment, University Task Force on Recruitment and Retention, Departmental Academic Audit Committee, College Representative in the University Strategic Planning Council, and College Representative in the University’s Academic Program Review Council. He serves on the Tenure and Promotion Committee of the College of Agriculture. He is a member of several professional organizations such as the American Society for Microbiology, Society for Industrial Microbiology, Society for Invertebrate Pathology, the Tennessee Academy of Science and the Beta Kappa Chi Honors Society. He was also a Fellow of the World Health Organization, Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung of Germany and the National Engineering and Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. He served as the Head of the Department of Applied Microbiology & Brewing at Anambra State University, Awka (Now Nnamdi Azikiwe University) from 1989 to 1994
Professor Ejiofor is well published in Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology following his research activities in many parts of the world including The University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare; Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel; University of Perugia, Italy, Biochemical Engineering Division, Gesellschaft fὔr Biotechnologishe Forshung, Braunschweig, Germany and Biotechnology Center, Chemical Engineering Department, the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Canada

COMMUNITY WORK
Until 2015, Dr. Ejiofor served as the Executive Director of World Igbo Congress (WIC) and he took the WIC Foundation (WICF) from the drawing board and made it a vibrant organ of the Congress as it was meant to be and is, therefore, connecting Ndi Igbo to the world. He has helped develop structures for the World Igbo Congress and developed project models. He promoted and pursued the admission of World Igbo Congress (www.worldigbocongress.com) on a Special Consultative status with Economic and Social Council ECOSOC of the United Nations. Based on this, World Igbo Congress is currently competing for grants including those from UNDEF (United Nations Democracy Fund) and UTFEVAW (UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women). Consequently, he is conversant with the United Nations strategies in the MDG and SDG initiatives. He is currently promoting the development of a Regional Medical Center of Excellence in southeastern/south-south of Nigeria a world-class, six-institute tertiary health care project. He is passionate about the security of life and property of the Igbo in Nigeria and is driving the limits of global reach of the World Igbo Congress as its current executive board chairman
Aside from his dexterity in routine speeches as a professor, Dr. Ejiofor is also a public and motivational speaker and promoter of economic and cultural issues affecting our people. His most recent presentation. He has made such presentations to the Williamson Business Forum in Nashville, the Nashville area Chamber of Commerce, women and children issues at the 57th, 58th and 59th meetings of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

Awards/Recognition/Professional Memberships
Professor Ejiofor was a Fellow of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), UNOPS TOKTEN Consultant Program on Fermentation Technology. And a Fellow of the World Health Organization; Vector Biology & Control Division. He is a member of many reputable international organizations including the American Society for Microbiology, Society for Industrial Microbiology, Society for Invertebrate Pathology, Tennessee Academy of Sciences and Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society. In 2010 he was listed in the Who-is-Who among America’s teachers and holds Honorary memberships of the cities of Little Rock, Arkansas and Detroit, Michigan for community service

Family
Professor Ejiofor is married to Nonye Nkiru Ejiofor and both are blessed with three children Chukwudalu Ejiofor, Sochima Ejiofor and Tobenna Ejiofor

Equipped with a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D) from Azusa Pacific University, and a BA from UCLA, Dr. Peace Amadi is a psychology professor, author (April ‘21), speaker, coach, and host who focuses on her work on mental and emotional healing, health, and wellness. As a woman of faith, she uses her various platforms to bridge the gap between mental health and faith for the purposes of engaging a deeper healing journey. As a woman of Nigerian descent, she calls for reflection on how healing is impacted by culture and family. Her most recent focus, however, includes a deep look at the relationship between media and mental health. In fact, the impact of social media on self esteem was the focus of her 2017 TEDx talk in San Francisco and she helped pioneer a new major concentration in media psychology at her home base, Hope International University. 

In her personal time, she enjoys creating meaningful moments with friends and family, sweet iced coffees, and digging up stories she’ll find some new way to share. She invites you to connect with her at @itspeaceamadi on Instagram and Twitter.