Dr. Sir Eliezer Ezeka Okafor
Dr.
Sir Eliezer Ezeka Okafor was born on the 6th of June 1932 to Chief and
Lolo Ezerioha Okafor Nwaichi "Pa Johnson" of Nempi in Oru-West Local
Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria.
He started primary education at
St Barth’s CMS School Nempi. In 1941, he moved to live with his God father,
Mr Samuel Njoku, a missionary teacher from where he passed the ‘Standard
VI’ Certificate Examination at St Silas Central School Ihiala in 1945.
In 1946,
he went to Dennis Memorial Grammar School(DMGS) Onitsha with
an Anglican mission scholarship. There, he was an exemplary student
whose academic performance, skills and courage inspired other
students. His extracurricular activities included photography,
carpentry, writing, hockey and social service. Eliezer often
reminisced on his years at DMGS, and frequently quoted a maxim from
Epistle 1 of Alexander Pope's famous poem, An Essay on Man, which he learnt there: “Honour and shame from no condition rise. Act well your part, there all the honour lies”.
During
the holidays, the Principal, Rev. E.D.C. Clark, led the Social Service
Society on social works to clean hospitals
and renovate homes for widows and the elderly. It was during one of such
outings that he developed an interest in medicine. The Society was at
Iyi-Enu Hospital, Enugu for a clean-up exercise when a woman who was
crying from labour pains was brought in on a stretcher and rushed into
the emergency room. After delivery, she looked happy and relieved. He
knew from that point that he wanted to be part of those people who had
trained to bring such relief from pain and distress to others.
He prayed that he would become a doctor.
In 1950 he excelled
with a first class in the Senior Cambridge School Certificate,
and was exempted from the London Matriculation Examination.
Eliezer
earned another scholarship from the Orlu District Office to study at
the University College Ibadan. On September 12,
1951, the Orlu District Officer, Mr Frank Bex, wrote to confirm
Eliezer’s scholarship and ended his letter with: “I take this
opportunity to wish you every success and to express the
hope that you will make the best use of this chance which you have have
earned.” This finishing remark stirred Eliezer’s determination to
succeed and became a driving force; he was later to coin his biography, Making the Best Use of a Chance, from it.
On
passing the ‘2nd MB’ Examination in 1955, the Nigerian
Government awarded him a scholarship to continue his studies at the
Manchester Royal Infirmary in England where he passed the MB. BS
(London) examination in 1959 and became a fully registered Medical
Doctor with the British Medical Council. He thereafter worked at various
hospitals in England before returning to Nigeria to continue his
medical practice at the University College Hospital(UCH), Ibadan.
In
1963, Dr. Ezeka Eliezer Okafor travelled back overseas for
a postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine (DTM & H) at the School
of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, Scotland with a Federal
Government scholarship. He graduated in 1964 and was inducted into the
Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) the following year. During his stay,
he worked at the Baguley, and Park Hospitals in Manchester; Tropical
Diseases Centre, Sefton General Hospital Liverpool,
Kirkcaldy Hospital Scotland, and Wigan Hospital England.
Before
his return to Nigeria in 1965, Ezeka got married to his
soulmate, Eunice Nwakaego Okoli, with whom he was to build the family
enterprise, BEX MEMORIAL HOSPITALS. The delightful wedding ceremony took
place at St. Martin in the fields - Trafalgar Square, London on
September 12 1964; with a wedding reception at the Royal Banquet Hall
- Royal commonwealth society Trafalgar Square London, which hosted 100
guests. The happy couple left the same day for their honey moon at
Livermead Hotel, Torquay, Devon England.
From that point, Eunice
became a perfect complement for her husband, at home and at work.
She was an affectionate mother in the family, and a
dedicated Matron at Bex Memorial Hospitals. Dr. and Mrs. Okafor’s family
remains exemplary to their friends and community. They were blessed
with two ladies and three gentlemen namely: Martin, Chioma, Uchenna,
Ugonna and Obiora; who are all happily married and blessed
with children.
Lady Eunice Nwakaego Okafor
Lady
Eunice Nwakaego Okafor was born in Ihiala, Anambra State, Nigeria to
Chief John Okoli and Mrs Agnes Okoli of Ibi in Oru West Local Government
Area of Imo State on October 20, 1936.
Her father, Pa John
Okoli “John cook”, was a reputable caterer employed by
Reverend Father A. Bindel of the Catholic Church Ihiala to cook for the
expatriate priests serving within the Parish. Madam Agnes Okoli “Singer
woman”, her mother, was a trader with United African Company (UAC). She
was a woman leader and politician with the National Council of Nigeria
and the Cameroons (NCNC).
She attended The Holy Rosary convent school Ihiala and Uli girls’ school in Ihiala local government area of Anambra state.
Miss
Eunice pursued education with vigour wanting nothing but the best and
her parents encouraged and made her education a priority. In 1957, she
travelled to England to train as a nurse at a time when only few
Nigerians could find their way there.
She proved her mettle by
successively clinching the State registered nurse (SRN) in 1960
from Stepping-Hill Hospital Stockport, Cheshire and State Certified
Midwife (SCM) in 1962 from the Group Hospitals Freedom - Fields Hospital
Plymouth. She thereafter became a fully registered nurse and certified
Midwife with the British Nursing board.
Recognising her natural
nursing skills, the Group Hospitals inspired her to study Theatre
Nursing, to enable her become an Operating Department Practitioner
(ODP). She took up the offer and obtained a Post Diploma in Theatre
techniques, Th.TD. at Hither Green Hospital.
She had her post
registration experience at Hither Green Hospital Lewisham and several
other hospitals in England where she served in different roles; and was
promoted to a Theatre Nursing sister. She thereafter worked in the
Orthopaedics, General surgery and other departments within the theatre.
Back in Nigeria
Dr and
Mrs Okafor returned to Nigeria in 1965 and worked hard to establish
themselves. Eliezer practised with General Hospital
Lagos as specialist doctor while his wife worked as Theatre
Nursing-Sister-in-charge at the Lagos University Teaching
Hospital (LUTH), where she enjoyed giving Theatre support to Prof.
Thomas and Dr. Alex Eneli of Eko Hospital Plc.
Dr.
Eliezer’s work was challenging and required him to travel
between eight different hospitals in Lagos. It however created
unique opportunities for interaction with some highly placed political
detainees at the Kirikiri Maximum security prison at the
time such as Chief T.O.S. Benson, Dr. K. O. Mbadiwe; with whom he
eventually forged enduring friendships.
The Civil War (1966 – 1970)
The onset
of Nigeria/Biafra civil war forced Ezeka and Eunice to leave Lagos and
return to Nempi, Eastern Nigeria where they exhibited love and selfless
service to mankind, in spite of the upheavals and travails of that
period.
Dr. Eliezer Ezeka Okafor was appointed Member of
the Orlu Provincial Assembly directly responsible to the Head of State
of Biafra at Enugu from 1967 to 1970. Their family home was used to
house refugees, and after the war, it became an Out Patient Clinic
until they were able to build an Out Patient Department (OPD) for the
Bex Memorial Hospital, Nempi in 1971.
Appalled at the ravaging
effect of Kwashiorkor on women, children, old folks and refugees; he
treated these patients and in 1968, published a book titled, ‘Kwashiorkor, A Preventable Disease’ and established a 50-bed Kwashiorkor Sickbay with committee nominees from the Anglican and Catholic Churches.
He rendered
free medical service at the Iyi-Enu hospital, Ogidi, for three months
before he secured employment to continue as specialist doctor. There, he
was happy to make the acquaintance of Sir Louis Mbanefo, the first
Lawyer in Igbo Land, first Nigerian at the International Court of Appeal
at the Hague, Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese on the Niger, Chief
Judge of Eastern Nigeria, and Chairman Board of Governors, Iyi-Enu
Hospital.
When the expatriate doctors left
the Iyi-Enu hospital because of the War, part of the
hospital was transferred to Okija, where Dr Okafor was made
Hospital Superintendent. He resigned his appointment with the hospital
in April, 1972 to concentrate on his private practice.
Bex Memorial Hospitals (BMH)
Dr.
Ezeka and his wife Eunice, established Bex Memorial Hospital
(BMH), at Oguta Road, Onitsha in 1972 as their own contribution towards
addressing the healthcare needs of the region after the devastation of
the Civil war.
The hospital was named BEX, in memory of Mr Frank
Bex, the colonial District Officer who facilitated Ezeka’s scholarship
in 1951. BMH became very successful and a new building was
officially commissioned at Onitsha in 1983, by the Honourable Minister
of Health, Chief D. C.Ugwu.
A well managed health facility, BMH
boasts an enviable roll of medical professionals from various parts of
the world. It continues to provide employment and compete favourably in
patient care with the best known private hospitals in Africa.
Bethany Home – A Charity Rehabilitation Home for the Elderly
Bethany
home is the charitable arm of BMH which
runs a rehabilitation service for the elderly. BMH also runs a “poor
patients’ fund”, a charitable purse for poor patients who are unable
to pay their medical bills at BMH.
Dr Okafor’s Humanitarian Services to the Communities, the Church and the Nation
Dr
Okafor founded the Nempi Development Union (NDU) in 1962; a forum where
the Nempi community deliberated on roads construction, markets, schools
and hospitals. Under his Chairmanship, NDU transformed the Nempi
village to an modern town.
He provided scholarships for various students at all levels
of education. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors of various
schools; sponsored sports projects and donated school equipment. He was
the Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, Onitsha Zone from
1972 to 1977.
Dr and Mrs Okafor built the Nempi Post
Office and Civic Centre. They built new classrooms, stores and teachers’
quaters for the Nempi Community. They also donated generously to the
Orlu Cheshire home and championed the propagation of Christianity
by building new Churches and Schools; and sponsoring the education and
training of priests.
Dr. Okafor was elected Chairman of Oru Local
Government Council (1976 to 1979). During his tenure, he built two
Local Government Secretariats and embarked on water schemes. He
constructed roads, schools, health centres and maternity homes.
Dr.
Okafor made five crucial publications in his life time; received
several awards, religious honours and titles. He was ordained
a Lay-Canon of the Diocese on the Niger in 1976 and became a Knight of
St Christopher, KSC, in 1989.
A former Nigerian Health Minister,
Dr Tim Menakaya, once described Dr E. E. Okafor as “A man who has done
so much for his profession, his beliefs, his people and his country.
Indeed, Dr E. E. Okafor abundantly made the best use of the chance which
he earned.
Lady Eunice and Dr. Ezeka: made for each other
During
the war Lady Eunice worked with Iyi-Enu hospital, where her husband was
specialist doctor and later superintendent, as ward nursing sister
(Surgical ward). She was promoted to Assistant Matron under Nursing
Sister Mrs Grace Ifeka from Onitsha. At the time, all the expatriate
medical team including Mrs Baunty (Principal of nursing school) had gone
back overseas as a result of the war.
In 1971, she made changes
to the school and re-established the Nursing training school
curriculum in partnership with the Nigeria Nursing Council.
When
Eunice and her husband Ezeka establish Bex Memorial Hospital in
1972, she had to multi-task as the Nurse, Midwife, pharmacy- dispenser,
receptionist at the out patients department, and the hospital staff
trainer.
The tasks were so herculean that both husband and wife
worked round the clock without for social activities. Baby deliveries
were on average of 10 a day. Yet, she infused vigour, enthusiasm and
dedication into all she did.
In 1977, she gave full support to
her Ezeka who was running for the position of the first elected
chairman, Oru local government area. She took control of the Hospital
affairs and with the support of capable and dedicated staff, including
Dr.(Mrs.) Obiora, an expatriate from Finland, the hospital continued to
flourish to the extent that the facility had to be upgraded in response
to the need for expansion in various departments of the hospital.
On June 17, 1983, a new Bex Memorial Hospital complex was built and
opened its doors to patients at km 1 Owerri road, Awada Onitsha, Anambra
state. A purpose built complex with a 3-level facility incorporating
state-of-the-art medical facilities to reflect the spirit of excellence
and innovation with which it was established. The commissioning was
attended by many dignitaries. On that day, Ezeka and Eunice unveiled the
hospital Plaque which reads, “service to humanity”.
Tall and
firm like an Iroko but calm, calculating, elegant, soft spoken and
humane, Lady Eunice, like her husband, was not the flamboyant and
boisterous type. Where other ladies of her status and accomplishments
would be bossy, throwing their weight around, Eunice moved about the
Hospital with smiles on her face, caring and supporting patients as well
as coaching nursing staff on care, planning and patient management. She
made in- house training a priority and till date, her influence on
nursing care delivery in the private sector across the Niger still
remains.
The situation at hospitals is not always pleasant.
Tragedy is a common occurrence and she was able to manage difficult
situations with families and patients by going through their darkest
moments with them, providing comfort and helping them manage their
grief, a skill most of her patients’ relatives cherished.
She
was a great ambassador for Bex Memorial Hospital and would go to any
length to make contact with relatives of accident victims hospitalized
at Bex. This was an onerous task at a time when telephone penetration
was still very low and services were poor across the country.
At
the Orlu Anglican Diocese, she was an executive member of spiritual
units as well as adviser to the women under the leadership of Mrs Eboh,
wife of his Lordship, Bishop Eboh.
She was chairperson of St.
Barth’s Anglican Women Association(Home and Abroad meeting) from 1967
until 1993, when she was also elected the President of Nempi Development
union (women wing).
Due to her transparency, honesty and
uprightness, she was financial secretary for the Association of medical
Doctors’ wives (Onitsha, Anambra state); and Vice President, ‘Kwuba aka
gi oto’ women society, under the leadership of Mrs Joe Anyasinti from
Ubulu in Oru west local government. She was a member of All Saints
Cathedral Onitsha and held the position of Assistant Leader of Women
Group in her prime years. She was also a member and Treasurer of Young
Women Christian Association (YWCA).
A member of the Evangelical
Fellowship in Anglican Communion (EFAC) and
the Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International Executive
chapter, GRA Onitsha, Lady Eunice was a bundle of humility and an
affectionate mother.
Just as she gave quality attention to her
nursing career, so did she to her family, church, farming projects and
maintaining her flower lawns at her residences in Nempi and Onitsha. Not
one for indolence, she spent her spare time farming and gardening.
Although
her fame as a nursing practitioner overshadowed her agricultural
exploits, Eunice was an accomplished farmer. She operated Ego Farms, an
enterprise comprising a poultry farm at her residence in Onitsha, and
Rice fields at Omor and Abakaliki .
She also farmed yam, corn,
plantain, and cassava and was always busy during the harvest season. She
processed Garri and at harvest time, gave some, along with other farm
products, to the less privileged and to friends of the family.
Her Poultry units had enormous production capacity for automated cage
farming. They produced table eggs and were the source of lay-birds for
upcoming poultry farmers. She also raised broiler birds to meet seasonal
demands. Additionally, she was an authorised distributor for Pfizer
livestock feeds Ltd.
At her rice fields in Omor and Abakaliki,
she worked in partnership with indigenous land owners within over 10
hectares of land. Leaning heavily on the wisdom and cultural approach
of the locals, she achieved yields of up to 32 -45 tonnes of processed
rice per season .
Eunice was one of the pioneers of aquaculture
in the eastern region of Nigeria. She established fish ponds at
Nempi where she stocked catfish and tilapia. Her piggery were of land
race breed.
Lady EuniceNwakaego Okafor was also an accredited
distributor to breweries-Golden Guinea, Premier and Life Breweries; and
Limca.
The success of her farming activities played a
significant role in the development of Bex Memorial Hospital complex at
Onitsha. No wonder Dr. Tim Menakaya wrote in his citation of Dr &
Mrs. E.E Okafor at the commissioning of BMH: " You both, Ezeka &
Eunice are wonderfully complementary both at home and in the work
place”.
It would be incomplete to write about Eunice without
talking about her fashion sense as she was essentially a fashion icon
from youth. Whether it was for weddings, funerals, royal visits or
traditional occasions, she was always well turned out, allowing a splash
of colours. She actually inspired manyfashion trends through the 70s,
80s, and 90s. Her defining style suited her exhausting schedule of
engagements. She was always Clean, Crisp, and Classic. Lady Eunice could
be described as ‘Elegance and style in perfect harmony’.
The
fear of God, the appreciation of goodness and the determination to
succeed against all odds were the hallmarks of Eunice. She remains an
inspiration to many whether in the field of nursing, at home as a wife
and mother, or in the fields as an entrepreneur. She was also recipient
of many awards in her lifetime.
No doubt, Eunice and her husband
Ezeka were compatible and together, they surmounted turbulent waters in
life. Each day saw them more united and committed to God. In her
husband’s words, "Eunice makes up for my deficiencies.”
