Dr. Nnamdi C. Ibekwe, democratically-elected Honorable representative, Bende north, Abia state. 2023-present.
Dr. Nnamdi C. Ibekwe on the Aisles of History
Nnamdi Chimdi Ibekwe’s journey from the village of Igbere in Abia State to becoming a distinguished lawmaker in the Abia State House of Assembly exemplifies dedication and resilience. Overcoming numerous challenges, he faced each obstacle with determination, turning them into opportunities for growth. His hard work and perseverance have earned him a respected position, driven by a commitment to provide credible representation for his constituents. Nnamdi Ibekwe’s story is a powerful example of resilience, faith, and focus, offering inspiration to all who aspire to make a positive impact.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Born on February 5, 1972, to Mazi Ibekwe and Iyia Rhoda Ibekwe Eme Maduka (Ovuaboto) in Aba, Nnamdi Chimdi Ibekwe, was the fourth child of his parents and brought joy and promise to his family. Nnamdi began his educational journey at Eziukwu Primary School Aba, progressing to Sacred Heart College (SAHACO) in Eziukwu Aba for his secondary education, where he served as a class monitor and deputy senior prefect. He then earned a Diploma with distinction in Public Administration from the University of Calabar and a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Public Administration from Lagos State University. He further pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Open University of Nigeria and additional certifications from the University of Lagos, including an Advanced Professional Diploma in Law Enforcement Administration and an Executive Professional Diploma in Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Management.
Hon. Ibekwe has also attended various courses, including the Global Business Roundtable (GBR) in South Africa and NAOWA Institute of Management and Technology, Abuja. In 2017, he became a Doctoral Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Management Specialist, Delaware, USA. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping, a member of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), and served as Secretary of the Western Zone for the National Executive Council Member (NECOM) of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents of Nigeria.
CAREER
Having secured a solid educational foundation, Nnamdi Ibekwe seamlessly aligned himself with his career path. He is an astute administrator, entrepreneur, and business strategist. He established multiple businesses in sectors including shipping, logistics, education, and real estate, both nationally and internationally, and successfully grew them into multi-million dollar ventures. Previously, he is the Group Managing Director Aroma Shipping Ltd and Pioneer Arol Unique Investments Ltd. He also served as Head of Operations at McBen Agencies Ltd.
Nnamdi Ibekwe is the founder of the Oziomachi Development Initiative, a foundation dedicated to agriculture and strategic investment for sustainable development, economic empowerment, and unity for his constituents in Bende North. On June 14, 2023, he was sworn in as a lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency, Abia State.
POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Nnamdi Ibekwe has long expressed dissatisfaction with the political situation in Nigeria. With a burning zeal to serve his people and make a difference in the political arena, he embarked on a political journey that led him to significant influence in Abia State. Notably, at the onset, lbekwe faced rejection, disappointment, and discouragement. However, galvanised by vaulting determination, as well as, armed with the power of divine presence added to grassroot support, he was able to surmount, and overcome.
In 2019, Ibekwe contested the Abia State House of Assembly primaries for Bende North Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Competing against the former Chief of Staff and then Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, he did not win the election. However, this loss motivated him to re-strategize and deepen his understanding of the political landscape in preparation for future elections.
In the 2022 PDP State Assembly primaries, Ibekwe ran against several prominent figures, including former Super Eagles player and Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Karibe Ojigwe, Hon. Iboko Okechukwu, Prof. Chukwuemeka Okpo Oteh, and Prince Kalu Eke. Despite the strong competition, Ibekwe emerged victorious. This victory paved the way for him to contest in the 2023 general election, where he faced notable opponents such as Hon. Chijioke Chukwu/Anyim Eke of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Chukwu James Egwuonwu/Mr. Uche Elendu of Labour Party (LP), and Mr. Ogwo Endy of Action People’s Party (APP).
Other contenders included Prof. Chukwuemeka Okpo Oteh of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Okoh Chidiebere of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Mr. Iboko Okechukwu John of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Mr. Ogbumba Eme Ogbumba of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Despite these formidable challenges, Ibekwe secured a well-deserved victory in the 2023 general election to the Abia State House of Assembly, a role he had long been prepared for.
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Outside the political arena, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe has significantly contributed to humanitarian services. He served as Secretary and Vice President of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Isolo chapter, Lagos State, from 2004 to 2008, and later became the President in 2009. During his presidency, the fellowship engaged in community services, including assisting motorists in Ago traffic and flood control. Over five thousand copies of the Voice Magazine were distributed, and two new chapters of the fellowship were established.
Hon. Ibekwe is a life member of the FGBMFI and played a key role in developing Okota, Divine Estate, and Community Road areas. As Secretary and Chairman of the resident association, he secured government attention to address developmental deficits and flooding issues. He was instrumental in the official allocation of the area to investors through the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC).
Hon. Ibekwe advocates for Mazicism, an ideology rooted in Nigerian and African traditions, promoting the potential and opportunities in these communities. He has championed its use for the empowerment and evolution of the African community on the global stage.
He has authored three books: You Too Can Be Great, Greatness At The Power of Thought, and Adversity Demystified. Hon. Ibekwe is married to Mrs. Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, an educationist, and they are blessed with four children.