May 14, 2020
Biography of Sir Dr Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene The Titan, A Husband, Father, Brother, Friend and Mentor to All
“Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Galatians 6:9, one of his favourite Bible verses aptly describes Dr. Ben, as he was fondly called. Though he left memorable footprints whilst holding various leadership positions and making invaluable contributions to the health, political, sports, religious and financial spheres, amongst others, he remained a selfless and humble man. He was once a practising medical doctor with a private hospital of his own, and a Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, spending the latter part of his life as a public health reform practitioner and activist. For years, he was the board Chairman of the Health Reform Organisation of Nigeria (HERFON), amongst many other establishments. He played major roles in the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare in Nigeria, enactment of the National Health Act 2014, production of the Nigeria Patients’ Bill of Rights and the drafting of the National Immunisation Trust Fund Bill. His profession as a Medical Doctor, and his roles in the health sector were very fulfilling for him, as they provided him opportunities to do what he loved doing, helping humanity.
Early Life and Education
Sir Dr Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene was born on Friday 8 June 1951 in Ogberuru Town of present day Orlu Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State to Late Mazi Benjamin Ferguson Chukwuka AnyeneOnyenkuzi, a catechist, and Late Madam Mercy Chinwe Anyene (née Nwajagu) Ebem Nwelu Jesu. He was the first son, and second child of ten children. His parents were then posted to their hometown of Ndiowu in today’s Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, where the young Dr Ben grew up in the parsonage of St. Lawrence Anglican Church. During his time there, he was the Church’s cross bearer for many years, a role he enjoyed.
Dr. Ben started his primary education at Central School Ndikelionwu/Ndiowu. In 1961, moved by the precociousness of the young Dr Ben, his uncle by marriage, the late Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme struck up a conversation with him. At the end of their chat, Dr. Ekwueme asked if the young Dr Ben was interested in moving to Lagos to live with him and his wife, Dame Beatrice Ekwueme (Dr. Ben’s aunt). Dr Ben accepted this offer and thus, started his life in Lagos. Due to his advanced aptitude, he earned a double promotion and enrolled at St Jude’s Primary School, Ebute-Metta where he excelled in academics and soccer.
In 1964, after passing his entrance exams he opted to go to secondary school at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos. Dr. Ben was in secondary school when disruptions leading to the Nigerian Civil War erupted. Dr. Ekwueme, who escaped danger, returned to Lagos to rescue his young nephew. The bond between nephew and uncle would last a lifetime, with Dr. Ekwueme later becoming Dr. Ben’s brother-in-law. Due to the civil war, though, Dr. Ben completed his secondary education at Oraukwu Grammar School in present day Anambra State.
He became the first-generation university graduate after he attained a Diploma in Science Education/Research at Porterville College, California, USA, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Microbiology/Biochemistry from California State University, Fresno, USA and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. An avid sports lover, especially of track and field, he was scouted while at Porterville College to play soccer for California State University, Fresno and subsequently awarded a scholarship package for his talents. He may have gone professional if not for an injury he suffered in 1972. After graduation in the USA, he received lucrative job offers in the medical profession, but declined and returned to Nigeria, bearing in mind his traditional responsibilities as the first son of his father.
At the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, he was the President of the Medical Students Association and Vice President of the Student Union from 1977 to 1978. At the age of 29, during his housemanship at the University of Lagos in 1981, Dr. Ben’s father passed away, making him the primary benefactor for his mother and siblings. This unforeseen occurrence interrupted his plans to further his education and specialise. Thus, young Dr. Ben sacrificed his youth and ambition for the benefit of his mother and siblings.
Notwithstanding this, his drive and thirst for self-development and knowledge saw him undertaking numerous professional courses in his lifetime. Dr. Ben obtained certificates in Basis of Human Unity, Justice and Peace in Vienna, Austria (1978), Role of Leadership in Economic Development at Dakar, Senegal (1989), Public Administration and Management in Developing Nations, Lagos, Nigeria (1995), Policy Development and Management Course for Top Government Officials in Abuja, Nigeria (2001), Health Economics from the World Bank Institute, Washington DC (2007) and Public Based Financing (PBF) – MTSS/MTEF in Calabar, Nigeria (2007), amongst others.
Professional Life
After graduating from UNILAG, Dr. Ben kicked off his career at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he spent two years as a Medical Officer before venturing into private practice in 1982. He was the Director of Multiplex Nig. Ltd from 1982 to 1985. In 1984, he left Quinta Clinic Ltd, Lagos as the Chief Medical Officer, and founded Medics Medical Centre where he was the Medical Director from 1983 to 2000. He served as the President of the Rotary Club of TinCan Island District 9110, Lagos from 1988 to 1989. His commitment to his hometown saw him become the National President of the Ndiowu Town Union from 1991 to 1994.
He was a member of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC), West African Academy of Public Health (WAAPH), Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) - Diocese of Aguata, Rotary Club, Aka Ikenga, Orumba Forum, League of Anambra Professionals, Pan Ndigbo Foundation, amongst others.
Between 1991 until his passing, he served as Chairman, Board of Directors (BOD) for a number of organizations including Nigeria Medical Association, Apapa - Lagos, Realworth Investment Ltd, Fundtech Finance and Investment Plc., New Era Insurance Co. Ltd and Ferguson IT Ltd, and as a Director in Multiplex Nig. Ltd, Parkview Investment Ltd and Exim Express Nig. Ltd. He was a Board Member at B3 Communications Ltd from 2003 to 2006. He was also a Member/Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT) at Ajeromi Makes Education a Legacy Foundation (AMEAL) from 1996 – 2000.
Dr. Ben, the Public Health Reformer
Dr. Ben was a passionate health reformer, particularly at the Primary Health Care level. It was this zeal, which put him in the spotlight and saw him holding several critical positions in committees and organisations striving for health reform in Nigeria. His invaluable contributions revived the Nigerian health sector, which was on a decline.
He served as the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Anambra State from 2000 to 2003. Under his watch, Anambra State met the eligibility criteria for the World Bank-assisted Health System Development Project (HSDP) II and implemented the project to the letter. He also ensured the State was up to date with its counterpart cash contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners working with Anambra.
In 2001, he was appointed Head, Technical Committee and Representative of the State Commissioners of Health in the Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti-led National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Board. Same year, he joined the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) Change Agents Programme (CAP) for Health Sector and Immunization Reform and undertook study tours of the health system in Ghana and South Africa. Through findings and reviewing the 1988 National Health Policy, the need to have a legal framework backing the proposed reforms resulted in the establishment of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) in 2004.
As a member of the Technical Advisory Group at HERFON, he supported the implementation of Prof. Eyitayo Lambo’s flagship Health Sector Reform Programme from 2004 to 2007. He advocated for change of the widespread rejection of polio vaccines in the North. He served as Lead Consultant for the development of the 2004 Revised National Health Policy, the Blueprint for Revitalization of Primary Health Care (2005), Blueprint for Repositioning of NHIS (2005), Public Private Partnership in Health (2005), National Health Promotion Policy (2007), Strategic Plan, Healthcare Financing Policy (2007) and Human Resources for Health Policy (2008).
Dr. Ben was one of three Nigerians that developed the first draft of the National Health Bill in 2004. Through HERFON and the HSRC and via meetings with heads of professional associations and religious institutions, he advocated for the passing of the Bill by the National Assembly and the presidential assent. He was the Advocate in Chief at the Senate Public Hearing in Abuja in 2013. He also acted as Consultant to the Senate Retreat on the National Health Bill. When the Bill was passed, he got it gazetted and guided the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to develop a roadmap for the operationalisation of the National Health Act. In 2015, he was appointed Member, National Health Act Steering Committee and served as co-chair of the National Health Act Leadership and Governance Technical Working Group.
He participated in all National Council on Health Meetings from 2001 to 2014, advocating for allocations into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to be implemented as in line with the law. His dream was for every health facility in the country to obtain a Certificate of Standards and a comprehensive accreditation, and for the local production of vaccines to be sufficiently financed. From 2012 to 2015, he was a Board Member at NPHCDA and Chairman, NPHCDA Board Technical Committee.
Till his death, he served as Chairman, BOD, Ferguson IT Ltd from 2000, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Leadership and Youth Development Forum (LYDF) from 2006, Trustee for Women in Peace, Education and Awareness Initiative (WOPEDAI) from 2007, Chairman, BoT at NPHD from 2012, Member, Nigeria Medical Association Elders Forum from 2012 and Member, BoT at NPHCDA from 2013.
So numerous were the health-related positions he held that to list them all would require a book to be published. These positions include, but are not limited to:
Dr. Ben was involved in various projects funded by international and local institutions such as the Ford Foundation, Health Economic Project Network for Africa (HEPNET), Compass, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Institute for Health Sector Development – United Kingdom, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FHI 360, Governor’s Forum, Lagos State Government, Anambra State Government, National Programme on Immunization (NPI), amongst others.
Dr. Ben, the Politician
Dr. Ben’s political pedigree was garnered from watching his father mediate disputes and his close associations with his in-law, Dr. Alex Ekwueme. From childhood to his time at the University, in his hometown and in his residences at Abuja and Lagos, Dr. Ben was politically active. He was closely involved in the activities of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic and was one of those who helped broaden Ekwueme’s political structure in the old Anambra State. In the late nineties he lent support when Ekwueme led the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), serving as the Director, Strategy/Planning/Logistics and Deputy Director General for the Alex Ekwueme Presidential Campaign Organisation from 1998 to 1999 and 2002 to 2003, respectively.
As Honourable Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, the State Ministry of Health achieved great success in winning the trust of local and international partners for the development of the State’s health system. After his time as commissioner, he was considered for the position of Deputy Governor of Anambra State, which he declined after much reflection and prayer. In 2007, he vied for a seat in the National Assembly representing Anambra South Senatorial District under the All Nigeria peoples’ Party (ANPP). After this, Dr. Ben settled into a non-partisan role, where his political activities and associations ran across party lines in Anambra and around Nigeria. Guided by his belief that before you build a city, you must first build the men and women, the policies he supported and advocated were always pro-people.
In his hometown, Ndiowu, and its vicinity, he was known as “Omutaozi.” This was largely due to his benevolence and philanthropy, especially in the education, welfare and mentorship of so many, from his siblings to distant relatives, Ndiowu indigenes, acquaintances, visitors and a host of others. Apart from being the National President of the town union, he was deeply involved in the development of Ndiowu, chairing and contributing to numerous associations and committees, and also to the growth of his beloved St. Lawrence Anglican Church. As a peacemaker who contributed to the resolution of NMA leadership, he also resolved the rejection of immunisation by some communities in Anambra State and a 70-year old border dispute between Owerri-Ezukala and Ogbunka communities in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State.
Dr. Ben, the Sportsman
A skilled soccer player himself in his youth, Dr. Ben was fascinated by soccer with its huge opportunities for youth empowerment. Typical of him, he got personally involved in the development of policies. Nigeria had struggled for years for a first berth in the FIFA-organized World Cup tournament, until the 1-1 draw in Algeria by the Clemens Westerhof team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, USA. The need for finance and organisation facilitated the setting up of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) by the Federal Government. The Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu-led committee had in its membership Dr. Ben, Dr. Simi Johnson, Dr. Ladipo, Engr. Gemade and Tony Akiotu, amongst others. Dr. Ben oversaw mobilisation and communications where he played criticial roles in Nigeria’s most impressive outings in the FIFA-organized World Cup competitions. His contributions helped shape the careers of some of Nigeria’s big players – Peter Rufai, Ben Iroha, Stephen Keshi, Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, JayJay Okocha, amongst others. Following their achievements in the USA, there was a massive influx of Nigerian players to different European leagues. Dr Ben was also an experienced lawn tennis player.
He was a Member and Secretary of the BoT, Nigeria Sports Development Incorporated from 1994 to 2008. He served as the Head, Venues/Facilities (Medical) for the Nigeria World Youth Soccer Championship in 1999 and as Chairman of Festac 77 Tennis Club, Lagos from 1998 to 2000. He played lawn tennis at the Festac 77 Tennis Club, Apapa Club and Rockview Hotel Abuja. All through his life to the end, Dr. Ben was a sports enthusiast, showing great interest in a wide range of games (soccer, track and field, lawn tennis, basketball and American football, to name a few)
Dr. Ben, the Awardee
His awards/recognitions are numerous, some of which are: Meritorious Service from Rotary International, Certificate of Honor from the Pan Ndigbo Foundation, Award of Excellence from the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Excellence in Governance/Administration by Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Presidential Recognition on Service to Mankind from Rotary International, Distinguished Service Award from Rotary International, Long Service Award from Rotary International, Fellow of the College from Trinity Theological College Umuahia, Fellow of the West African Academy of Public Health, Pioneering Service Award from the Nigerian Medical Association/Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) - Diocese of Aguata, Meritorious Fellow Award from Ajalli Archdeaconry A.Y.F, State Patron from Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria and Special Recognition as NGI-TAG Non-Core Member from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG).
Dr. Ben, the Family Man
In spite of his numerous exploits, Dr. Ben remained a devoted family man who sought to ensure that his family members were the best they could be. Across his paternal and maternal extended families, he was known as “Brother,” “Uncle Ben,” “Dumdum” and “Chukwudum.” As a firm believer in education, he assisted his father, by working side jobs while studying in the USA, to ensure that his siblings got through primary and secondary school. This support did not falter even after the death of his father as he pushed through to see that his siblings received their university education.
After his marriage, he moved his mother and siblings away from the old Anyene extended family house into his new home on a property he acquired, thus providing them shelter for decades. He sponsored members of his extended family through school and mentored them in various capacities. Dr. Ben was responsible for financing the marriage ceremonies of several siblings and their welfare after marriage. He intervened whenever there was crisis in their lives. In death as in life, he was responsible for the burial of his parents, siblings and extended family, amongst others. Dr. Ben did all of these in his youth, when he was married with a young family of his own to care for, and continued to do so until he was called by his Creator. He firmly believed in and advocated the greatness of the Anyene family all his life.
In his immediate family, he was “Ben” to his wife and “Daddy” to his children. He met his lovely wife, Lady Ngozi K. Anyene, a daughter of Igwe Benson O. Ofu of Ihite, Anambra, in Lagos in 1985. A match made in heaven, they tied the knot at the popular Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Lagos soon after in 1986. They were married for over three decades until his passing and blessed with four children; Beluchi, Nnamdi, Nchedo and Chizimuzo. Dr. Ben, a doting father, was much loved by all members of his immediate family. He encouraged them to succeed and was present in so many of their professional and educational milestones.
Dr. Ben lived a full life, passionately and resiliently doing good wherever he went. He passed away on the morning of Sunday 29 December 2019 in New York, USA.
Dr Ben was a husband, father, brother, friend and mentor to all who met him.
May the memory of Dr. Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene live on forever and may his gentle soul rest in God’s merciful peace, Amen.
"The light that shines twice as bright, burns half as long - and you, Daddy, have shined so very, very brightly."
“Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Galatians 6:9, one of his favourite Bible verses aptly describes Dr. Ben, as he was fondly called. Though he left memorable footprints whilst holding various leadership positions and making invaluable contributions to the health, political, sports, religious and financial spheres, amongst others, he remained a selfless and humble man. He was once a practising medical doctor with a private hospital of his own, and a Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, spending the latter part of his life as a public health reform practitioner and activist. For years, he was the board Chairman of the Health Reform Organisation of Nigeria (HERFON), amongst many other establishments. He played major roles in the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare in Nigeria, enactment of the National Health Act 2014, production of the Nigeria Patients’ Bill of Rights and the drafting of the National Immunisation Trust Fund Bill. His profession as a Medical Doctor, and his roles in the health sector were very fulfilling for him, as they provided him opportunities to do what he loved doing, helping humanity.
Early Life and Education
Sir Dr Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene was born on Friday 8 June 1951 in Ogberuru Town of present day Orlu Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State to Late Mazi Benjamin Ferguson Chukwuka AnyeneOnyenkuzi, a catechist, and Late Madam Mercy Chinwe Anyene (née Nwajagu) Ebem Nwelu Jesu. He was the first son, and second child of ten children. His parents were then posted to their hometown of Ndiowu in today’s Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, where the young Dr Ben grew up in the parsonage of St. Lawrence Anglican Church. During his time there, he was the Church’s cross bearer for many years, a role he enjoyed.
Dr. Ben started his primary education at Central School Ndikelionwu/Ndiowu. In 1961, moved by the precociousness of the young Dr Ben, his uncle by marriage, the late Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme struck up a conversation with him. At the end of their chat, Dr. Ekwueme asked if the young Dr Ben was interested in moving to Lagos to live with him and his wife, Dame Beatrice Ekwueme (Dr. Ben’s aunt). Dr Ben accepted this offer and thus, started his life in Lagos. Due to his advanced aptitude, he earned a double promotion and enrolled at St Jude’s Primary School, Ebute-Metta where he excelled in academics and soccer.
In 1964, after passing his entrance exams he opted to go to secondary school at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos. Dr. Ben was in secondary school when disruptions leading to the Nigerian Civil War erupted. Dr. Ekwueme, who escaped danger, returned to Lagos to rescue his young nephew. The bond between nephew and uncle would last a lifetime, with Dr. Ekwueme later becoming Dr. Ben’s brother-in-law. Due to the civil war, though, Dr. Ben completed his secondary education at Oraukwu Grammar School in present day Anambra State.
He became the first-generation university graduate after he attained a Diploma in Science Education/Research at Porterville College, California, USA, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Microbiology/Biochemistry from California State University, Fresno, USA and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. An avid sports lover, especially of track and field, he was scouted while at Porterville College to play soccer for California State University, Fresno and subsequently awarded a scholarship package for his talents. He may have gone professional if not for an injury he suffered in 1972. After graduation in the USA, he received lucrative job offers in the medical profession, but declined and returned to Nigeria, bearing in mind his traditional responsibilities as the first son of his father.
At the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, he was the President of the Medical Students Association and Vice President of the Student Union from 1977 to 1978. At the age of 29, during his housemanship at the University of Lagos in 1981, Dr. Ben’s father passed away, making him the primary benefactor for his mother and siblings. This unforeseen occurrence interrupted his plans to further his education and specialise. Thus, young Dr. Ben sacrificed his youth and ambition for the benefit of his mother and siblings.
Notwithstanding this, his drive and thirst for self-development and knowledge saw him undertaking numerous professional courses in his lifetime. Dr. Ben obtained certificates in Basis of Human Unity, Justice and Peace in Vienna, Austria (1978), Role of Leadership in Economic Development at Dakar, Senegal (1989), Public Administration and Management in Developing Nations, Lagos, Nigeria (1995), Policy Development and Management Course for Top Government Officials in Abuja, Nigeria (2001), Health Economics from the World Bank Institute, Washington DC (2007) and Public Based Financing (PBF) – MTSS/MTEF in Calabar, Nigeria (2007), amongst others.
Professional Life
After graduating from UNILAG, Dr. Ben kicked off his career at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he spent two years as a Medical Officer before venturing into private practice in 1982. He was the Director of Multiplex Nig. Ltd from 1982 to 1985. In 1984, he left Quinta Clinic Ltd, Lagos as the Chief Medical Officer, and founded Medics Medical Centre where he was the Medical Director from 1983 to 2000. He served as the President of the Rotary Club of TinCan Island District 9110, Lagos from 1988 to 1989. His commitment to his hometown saw him become the National President of the Ndiowu Town Union from 1991 to 1994.
He was a member of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC), West African Academy of Public Health (WAAPH), Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) - Diocese of Aguata, Rotary Club, Aka Ikenga, Orumba Forum, League of Anambra Professionals, Pan Ndigbo Foundation, amongst others.
Between 1991 until his passing, he served as Chairman, Board of Directors (BOD) for a number of organizations including Nigeria Medical Association, Apapa - Lagos, Realworth Investment Ltd, Fundtech Finance and Investment Plc., New Era Insurance Co. Ltd and Ferguson IT Ltd, and as a Director in Multiplex Nig. Ltd, Parkview Investment Ltd and Exim Express Nig. Ltd. He was a Board Member at B3 Communications Ltd from 2003 to 2006. He was also a Member/Secretary, Board of Trustees (BoT) at Ajeromi Makes Education a Legacy Foundation (AMEAL) from 1996 – 2000.
Dr. Ben, the Public Health Reformer
Dr. Ben was a passionate health reformer, particularly at the Primary Health Care level. It was this zeal, which put him in the spotlight and saw him holding several critical positions in committees and organisations striving for health reform in Nigeria. His invaluable contributions revived the Nigerian health sector, which was on a decline.
He served as the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Anambra State from 2000 to 2003. Under his watch, Anambra State met the eligibility criteria for the World Bank-assisted Health System Development Project (HSDP) II and implemented the project to the letter. He also ensured the State was up to date with its counterpart cash contribution to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other development partners working with Anambra.
In 2001, he was appointed Head, Technical Committee and Representative of the State Commissioners of Health in the Prof. Olikoye Ransome Kuti-led National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Board. Same year, he joined the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) Change Agents Programme (CAP) for Health Sector and Immunization Reform and undertook study tours of the health system in Ghana and South Africa. Through findings and reviewing the 1988 National Health Policy, the need to have a legal framework backing the proposed reforms resulted in the establishment of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) in 2004.
As a member of the Technical Advisory Group at HERFON, he supported the implementation of Prof. Eyitayo Lambo’s flagship Health Sector Reform Programme from 2004 to 2007. He advocated for change of the widespread rejection of polio vaccines in the North. He served as Lead Consultant for the development of the 2004 Revised National Health Policy, the Blueprint for Revitalization of Primary Health Care (2005), Blueprint for Repositioning of NHIS (2005), Public Private Partnership in Health (2005), National Health Promotion Policy (2007), Strategic Plan, Healthcare Financing Policy (2007) and Human Resources for Health Policy (2008).
Dr. Ben was one of three Nigerians that developed the first draft of the National Health Bill in 2004. Through HERFON and the HSRC and via meetings with heads of professional associations and religious institutions, he advocated for the passing of the Bill by the National Assembly and the presidential assent. He was the Advocate in Chief at the Senate Public Hearing in Abuja in 2013. He also acted as Consultant to the Senate Retreat on the National Health Bill. When the Bill was passed, he got it gazetted and guided the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to develop a roadmap for the operationalisation of the National Health Act. In 2015, he was appointed Member, National Health Act Steering Committee and served as co-chair of the National Health Act Leadership and Governance Technical Working Group.
He participated in all National Council on Health Meetings from 2001 to 2014, advocating for allocations into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to be implemented as in line with the law. His dream was for every health facility in the country to obtain a Certificate of Standards and a comprehensive accreditation, and for the local production of vaccines to be sufficiently financed. From 2012 to 2015, he was a Board Member at NPHCDA and Chairman, NPHCDA Board Technical Committee.
Till his death, he served as Chairman, BOD, Ferguson IT Ltd from 2000, Chairman of the Advisory Board, Leadership and Youth Development Forum (LYDF) from 2006, Trustee for Women in Peace, Education and Awareness Initiative (WOPEDAI) from 2007, Chairman, BoT at NPHD from 2012, Member, Nigeria Medical Association Elders Forum from 2012 and Member, BoT at NPHCDA from 2013.
So numerous were the health-related positions he held that to list them all would require a book to be published. These positions include, but are not limited to:
- Member, Technical Working Group EPI and Rotary Club International Polio-Plus Design Team in 1980s
- Consultant towards the Eradication of Onchocerciases in Nigeria – Review of Progress Report, sponsored by the FMoH (2001)
- Member, National Institutional Working Group (IWG) Change Agent Program (CAP) (2002 – 2004)
- Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Health (2003 – 2007)
- Lead Consultant, National Health Sector Reform Program of the FMoH (2003 – 2007). Also, Chairman of its Public Private Partnership (PPP) Sub-committee
- Consultant to Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS) funded by UK DFID (2003 – 2008)
- Core Team Member, IMPACT/QRI (PATHS/DFID) (2004 – 2006)
- South-East Zonal Champion, HERFON (2004 – 2006)
- Coordinator Technical/Management for DFID-Funded Health MDGs (HMDGs) Technical Support to FMoH (2006 – 2008)
- Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association Health Sector Reform Committee (2006 – 2008)
- Member, BoT, HERFON (2006 – 2011)
- Member, Audit/Appointment and Promotions Committee, HERFON (2006 – 2011)
- Coordinator, Development Partners Technical Support/Participation to 51st National Council of Health (2007)
- Facilitator, Technical Inputs with the National Academy of Science (NAS) Retreats on Health Systems and Human Resources for Health (2007)
- Member, Steering Committee, National Health Conference (2008)
- National Policy Advisor, Immunization & MNCH (2008 – 2014)
- Member, Elders Forum of Nigerian Medical and Dental Association (NMA) (2010 – 2014)
- Chairman, Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) (2011)
- Member, Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI) Large Countries Task Team, Geneva for Immunization Efficiency (2011 – 2013)
- Chairman, BoT at HERFON (2011 – 2016)
- Key Facilitator/Resource Person, Planning Committee National Vaccine Summit and Presenter Call to Action and (2012)
- Board Chairman, NPHD Ltd (2012)
- Board Member, NHED (2012)
- Vice Chairman, White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria for Safe Motherhood (2012 – 2015)
- Chairman, National Steering Committee (NSC) on Primary Health Care Under One Roof (2013)
- Technical Adviser, Senate Committee on Health Retreat on National Health Bill, sponsored by the National Assembly, Asaba (2013)
- Member, Steering Committee for Saving One Million Lives Project in Nigeria (2013 – 2016)
- Member, Nigeria Academy of Science (NAS) Vaccines and Immunization Committee (2013 – 2016)
- Chairman, National Immunization Financing Task Team (NIFT) (2015)
- Member, Nigeria Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NGI-TAG) (2015)
- Nigeria Country Lead, Sabin Institute African Anglophone Countries Peer Review Committee for Sustainable Immunization Financing Programme (SIFP) (2015 – 2016)
- Lead, NIFT Legislative Retreat on Immunization and the National Health Act, Uyo, Akwa Ibom (2016)
- Nigeria Country Lead, 3rd International Colloquium on Sustainable Immunization Financing at Kathmandu, Nepal (2016)
- Nigeria Country Lead, NIFT/Sabin Institute Anglophone Africa Peer Review Exchange Workshop on Sustainable Immunization Financing, Abuja (2016)
- WHO Sponsored Participant/CSOs Lead, Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2016)
- Co-Chairman, National Assembly (House of Representatives) Committee on Healthcare Financing: Revitalization of PHC Systems (2016)
- Member, 4-Man Eminent Persons Group in Health appointed by the Honorable Minister of Health (2016)
- Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Implementation Committee (2016)
- Member, NMA Strategic Plan Development Committee (2016)
- Co-Chairman, Strategic Advisory Board of West Africa Academy of Public Health (2016)
- Chairman, Strategic Advisory Board of Telemedicine and eHealth in Nigeria (2016)
- Co-Chairman, GFF-CSOs Nigeria (2017)
- Member, Presidential Committee for National Health Act 2014 Implementation (2017)
- Proponent for the Seedling Project for PHC Revitalization (2017)
- Chairman, BoT of the Expanded Civil Society Initiative on Immunization (ECSII)- The GAVI CSO Platform in Nigeria (2018)
Dr. Ben was involved in various projects funded by international and local institutions such as the Ford Foundation, Health Economic Project Network for Africa (HEPNET), Compass, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS), Institute for Health Sector Development – United Kingdom, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), FHI 360, Governor’s Forum, Lagos State Government, Anambra State Government, National Programme on Immunization (NPI), amongst others.
Dr. Ben, the Politician
Dr. Ben’s political pedigree was garnered from watching his father mediate disputes and his close associations with his in-law, Dr. Alex Ekwueme. From childhood to his time at the University, in his hometown and in his residences at Abuja and Lagos, Dr. Ben was politically active. He was closely involved in the activities of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the Second Republic and was one of those who helped broaden Ekwueme’s political structure in the old Anambra State. In the late nineties he lent support when Ekwueme led the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), serving as the Director, Strategy/Planning/Logistics and Deputy Director General for the Alex Ekwueme Presidential Campaign Organisation from 1998 to 1999 and 2002 to 2003, respectively.
As Honourable Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, the State Ministry of Health achieved great success in winning the trust of local and international partners for the development of the State’s health system. After his time as commissioner, he was considered for the position of Deputy Governor of Anambra State, which he declined after much reflection and prayer. In 2007, he vied for a seat in the National Assembly representing Anambra South Senatorial District under the All Nigeria peoples’ Party (ANPP). After this, Dr. Ben settled into a non-partisan role, where his political activities and associations ran across party lines in Anambra and around Nigeria. Guided by his belief that before you build a city, you must first build the men and women, the policies he supported and advocated were always pro-people.
In his hometown, Ndiowu, and its vicinity, he was known as “Omutaozi.” This was largely due to his benevolence and philanthropy, especially in the education, welfare and mentorship of so many, from his siblings to distant relatives, Ndiowu indigenes, acquaintances, visitors and a host of others. Apart from being the National President of the town union, he was deeply involved in the development of Ndiowu, chairing and contributing to numerous associations and committees, and also to the growth of his beloved St. Lawrence Anglican Church. As a peacemaker who contributed to the resolution of NMA leadership, he also resolved the rejection of immunisation by some communities in Anambra State and a 70-year old border dispute between Owerri-Ezukala and Ogbunka communities in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State.
Dr. Ben, the Sportsman
A skilled soccer player himself in his youth, Dr. Ben was fascinated by soccer with its huge opportunities for youth empowerment. Typical of him, he got personally involved in the development of policies. Nigeria had struggled for years for a first berth in the FIFA-organized World Cup tournament, until the 1-1 draw in Algeria by the Clemens Westerhof team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, USA. The need for finance and organisation facilitated the setting up of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) by the Federal Government. The Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu-led committee had in its membership Dr. Ben, Dr. Simi Johnson, Dr. Ladipo, Engr. Gemade and Tony Akiotu, amongst others. Dr. Ben oversaw mobilisation and communications where he played criticial roles in Nigeria’s most impressive outings in the FIFA-organized World Cup competitions. His contributions helped shape the careers of some of Nigeria’s big players – Peter Rufai, Ben Iroha, Stephen Keshi, Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, JayJay Okocha, amongst others. Following their achievements in the USA, there was a massive influx of Nigerian players to different European leagues. Dr Ben was also an experienced lawn tennis player.
He was a Member and Secretary of the BoT, Nigeria Sports Development Incorporated from 1994 to 2008. He served as the Head, Venues/Facilities (Medical) for the Nigeria World Youth Soccer Championship in 1999 and as Chairman of Festac 77 Tennis Club, Lagos from 1998 to 2000. He played lawn tennis at the Festac 77 Tennis Club, Apapa Club and Rockview Hotel Abuja. All through his life to the end, Dr. Ben was a sports enthusiast, showing great interest in a wide range of games (soccer, track and field, lawn tennis, basketball and American football, to name a few)
Dr. Ben, the Awardee
His awards/recognitions are numerous, some of which are: Meritorious Service from Rotary International, Certificate of Honor from the Pan Ndigbo Foundation, Award of Excellence from the Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Excellence in Governance/Administration by Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Presidential Recognition on Service to Mankind from Rotary International, Distinguished Service Award from Rotary International, Long Service Award from Rotary International, Fellow of the College from Trinity Theological College Umuahia, Fellow of the West African Academy of Public Health, Pioneering Service Award from the Nigerian Medical Association/Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Knight of Saint Christopher (KSC) of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) - Diocese of Aguata, Meritorious Fellow Award from Ajalli Archdeaconry A.Y.F, State Patron from Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria and Special Recognition as NGI-TAG Non-Core Member from the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG).
Dr. Ben, the Family Man
In spite of his numerous exploits, Dr. Ben remained a devoted family man who sought to ensure that his family members were the best they could be. Across his paternal and maternal extended families, he was known as “Brother,” “Uncle Ben,” “Dumdum” and “Chukwudum.” As a firm believer in education, he assisted his father, by working side jobs while studying in the USA, to ensure that his siblings got through primary and secondary school. This support did not falter even after the death of his father as he pushed through to see that his siblings received their university education.
After his marriage, he moved his mother and siblings away from the old Anyene extended family house into his new home on a property he acquired, thus providing them shelter for decades. He sponsored members of his extended family through school and mentored them in various capacities. Dr. Ben was responsible for financing the marriage ceremonies of several siblings and their welfare after marriage. He intervened whenever there was crisis in their lives. In death as in life, he was responsible for the burial of his parents, siblings and extended family, amongst others. Dr. Ben did all of these in his youth, when he was married with a young family of his own to care for, and continued to do so until he was called by his Creator. He firmly believed in and advocated the greatness of the Anyene family all his life.
In his immediate family, he was “Ben” to his wife and “Daddy” to his children. He met his lovely wife, Lady Ngozi K. Anyene, a daughter of Igwe Benson O. Ofu of Ihite, Anambra, in Lagos in 1985. A match made in heaven, they tied the knot at the popular Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Lagos soon after in 1986. They were married for over three decades until his passing and blessed with four children; Beluchi, Nnamdi, Nchedo and Chizimuzo. Dr. Ben, a doting father, was much loved by all members of his immediate family. He encouraged them to succeed and was present in so many of their professional and educational milestones.
Dr. Ben lived a full life, passionately and resiliently doing good wherever he went. He passed away on the morning of Sunday 29 December 2019 in New York, USA.
Dr Ben was a husband, father, brother, friend and mentor to all who met him.
May the memory of Dr. Benjamin Chukwudum Nnamdi Anyene live on forever and may his gentle soul rest in God’s merciful peace, Amen.
"The light that shines twice as bright, burns half as long - and you, Daddy, have shined so very, very brightly."
