Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim

Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, born on 19 November 1978, in Mbaukwu, Anambra State, Nigeria, is a distinguished medical doctor, politician, and public servant. Over the years, he has earned a reputation for his commitment to public health, political reform, and social advocacy. However, his career has not been without controversies, including allegations of political maneuvering, electoral disputes, and familial complexities. This detailed biography explores his life, achievements, controversies, and associations, shedding light on his multifaceted persona.

Early Life and Education

Born into a devout Christian family, Dr. Ibezim grew up in a close-knit household under the guidance of his parents, Chief Gilbert Ibezim and Mrs. Eunice Ibezim, both renowned educators and community leaders in Awka. He is the second of five siblings, including Nkem Ibezim, a prominent engineer, and Amaka Ibezim, a notable social entrepreneur.

Dr. Ibezim’s educational journey began at St. Patrick’s Primary School, Awka, where he excelled academically and demonstrated an early interest in science. He proceeded to Federal Government College, Enugu, for his secondary education. In 1992, he gained admission to study Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), graduating with distinction in 1998. His academic pursuits continued at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health in 2004.

Professional Career

Dr. Ibezim began his medical career as a house officer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, where he developed a passion for public health and community medicine. He later joined World Health Organization (WHO) as a consultant in 2007, focusing on disease prevention in rural communities across Nigeria. His tenure with WHO earned him accolades for his innovative strategies in combating malaria and polio in underserved regions.

In 2013, Dr. Ibezim transitioned to academia as a lecturer at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Uli, Anambra State, where he combined teaching with research on public health interventions. His findings have been published in over 20 peer-reviewed journals.

Political Career and Achievements

Dr. Ibezim ventured into politics in 2015, joining the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). In 2017, he was appointed Special Adviser on Health Matters to the Governor of Anambra State, a role in which he implemented far-reaching reforms in the state’s healthcare sector. His flagship initiative, the “Anambra Health Access Project”, brought affordable healthcare services to over 500,000 residents.

In 2021, Dr. Ibezim contested for the position of Deputy Governor of Anambra State alongside Professor Charles Soludo, the gubernatorial candidate. Their ticket won the election, and he assumed office on March 17, 2022. As Deputy Governor, he has championed projects like the “One Primary Health Centre per Ward Initiative” and the “Clean Anambra Green Initiative”, focusing on environmental health.

Controversies and Scandals

Dr. Ibezim’s career has been marked by controversies:

1. Election Petition (2021): The 2021 gubernatorial election was followed by allegations of electoral malpractice by the opposition, particularly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Valentine Ozigbo. While the case was dismissed by the Anambra State Election Tribunal, it sparked debates about the integrity of the electoral process.
2. Alleged Nepotism: In 2023, anonymous reports surfaced accusing Dr. Ibezim of favoring his relatives in appointments within the Anambra State Health Ministry. Dr. Ibezim publicly denied these claims, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.”
3. Rift with Dr. Obinna Uzor: In 2022, Dr. Ibezim had a publicized disagreement with Dr. Obinna Uzor, a notable Igbo philanthropist and businessman, over accusations of resource mismanagement in a joint healthcare project. The disagreement was settled privately after mediation by prominent Igbo leaders.

Personal Life and Family

Dr. Ibezim is married to Dr. Chidinma Ibezim, a pharmacist and businesswoman, and they are blessed with three children: Gilbert Jr., Adaora, and Chukwuemeka. The family is known for their philanthropic activities, including scholarship schemes for indigent students in Anambra State.

Rumors of a previous marriage surfaced in 2020, with claims that Dr. Ibezim was once married to a Lagos-based nurse, Ngozi Chukwuka, in the late 1990s. However, these allegations remain unsubstantiated, as no official records have been found to corroborate the claims. Ibezim is also a brother to the Anglican bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Alexander Ibezim

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Ibezim’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including:

• Best Public Health Advocate (2019) by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
• Anambra Excellence Award (2021) for his role in healthcare reforms.
• Chieftaincy Title of Okeosisi of Awka (2023) for his philanthropic endeavors.

Associations with Prominent Igbo Figures

Dr. Ibezim has worked closely with notable Igbo personalities, including:

• Professor Charles Soludo: Governor of Anambra State and his political ally.
• Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah: Former Senator, with whom he collaborated on youth empowerment projects.
• Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu: Widow of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with whom he co-hosted cultural events.

Conclusion

Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Despite controversies and challenges, his dedication to public service, particularly in health and governance, continues to impact Anambra State positively.

References

1. Anambra State Government Official Website. “Profiles of Executive Officers.” Accessed January 15, 2025. https://anambrastate.gov.ng.
2. Nigerian Medical Association. “Awardees List 2019.” Accessed January 15, 2025. https://nmanigeria.org.
3. Vanguard Newspaper. “Election Tribunal Dismisses Ozigbo’s Petition.” December 20, 2021. https://vanguardngr.com.

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