The Excel USA team led by Boniface Ihiasota recently in Washington DC met with Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Enyi Okereke-Nwokeji, a very successful medical practitioner, an academician per excellence and a devoted humanitarian. Her over 24 years in America has not in any way dimmed her patriotism and commitment to Nigeria. In this interview, she discusses a wide range of issues as it concerns the development of Nigeria, improved relationship with Diaspora and how to get her home state, Imo State working again.
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Dr. Stella Enyichi Okereke-Nwokeji. I go by either Enyi or Stella. I am from the Okereke Royal Family of Eziama, Okpala in Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area. My parents are Chief Chukwubiko Okereke, an academician and a veteran Nollywood actor (popularly known as Nwa D.C.) and Lolo Josephine Okereke, a retired Chief Nursing Officer.
I started my early education in Imo State at Owerri Girls’ Secondary School. I arrived in the United States in 1995 to join my husband, Dr. Emmanuel Nwokeji. In 2009, I earned a doctorate degree in medical research, with a minor in nursing, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I also received a fellowship in leadership from Leadership Education in Neuro developmental Related Disabilities (LEND), which focuses on leadership in advocacy, ethics, research, and systems change through clinical programs, didactic instruction, and this supported my doctoral studies. After completion of my doctorate in May of 2009, I entered law school in August of 2009 and completed my Juris Doctorate (JD) degree three years later in 2012.
I have spent 22 years in the healthcare system of Memphis, Tennessee as a medical researcher and as a nurse practitioner. I am also a professor of Health Policy at the University of Memphis, where I teach graduate-level students. On my spare time, when I am not spending time with my family, I volunteer on weekends at a local clinic where I live, providing medical care to the under-served. For this, I have received several recognitions.
I am the president and founder of Emergency and Rescue Medicine Foundation for African Countries (ER-MFAC-https://www.ermfac.org/), a non-profit organization that provides emergency medicine and health education to the less-privileged. Additionally, I own a medical educational resource hub called NetPlus Clinicians (http://npclinicians.com/). I also enjoy writing, and I have authored several books and many scientific publications.
I am married to my soulmate, Dr. Emmanuel Igweze Nwokeji, who is a very supportive and loving husband. He is a medical doctor by training and hails from the Nwokeji Royal Family of Akuma in Oru East Local Government Area. God blessed us with four lovely children – Briana, Brittany, Brian, and Brandon.
What will you say is the secret behind your accomplishments?
I can be described in more ways than one, but the ones that stand out the most for me is a faith-bound woman of God and a devout Catholic. I am a devoted wife, a caring mother, and paragon of honesty and integrity. I am fearless and focused on my resolve to ensure the less privileged are taken care of. I have an unrelenting desire for justice, fairness, and equity.
A lot of nurturing, love, and care from family and friends made me who I am today. Honestly, it would take a whole day to enumerate all the factors and traits that have played into the person that I am, but most importantly, I am grateful to God for the amalgam of characteristics he bestowed on me.
Going by your profile, you are highly educated.
What is behind this passion of yours in the academics?
First, I give God praise, honor, and adoration for His faithfulness. Without Him, I am nothing. To answer your question, the motivation for my academic ventures stemmed primarily from my parents and the nurturing environment I grew up in. For as long as I could remember, my parents laid a heavy emphasis on education. My father had a master’s degree and my mother was one of the first few registered nurses in Nigeria who left the country to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
My father, a strict disciplinarian, was my greatest inspiration and motivation. He was the first and the best in everything he did. As a comedian, he excelled. As a father, he was a role model. I miss him every day. I looked up to him, and he was the architect of who and what I am today. My siblings and I grew up with a constant reminder of the importance of education. We were made to understand that education served as our eyes to the world. At an early age, I was exposed to academicians whose scholarly prowess could motivate any child, such as the late Dr. Catherine Achalonu, whose family I still maintain a very close relationship with today.
My yearning for education was heightened by my father’s epistemophilic personality and by an eloquent inaugural Ahiajoku lecturer, Vice Chancellor M.J.C Echeruo. By faith, Echeruo, an erudite professor, is connected to me as family through marriage. The annual Ahiajoku lecture played a significant role in the motivation for my academic pursuits. My father, after attending the inaugural lecture by Professor Echeruo, sat me down to enlighten me on essence of the lecture, despite the fact I was in primary one and did not understand anything about the lecture. I remember how impressed my father was with Professor Echeruo and his lecture on the history and culture of the Igbos. My father saw the Ahiajoku lecture series as an opportunity to reawaken the consciousness of the Igbos. He encouraged my siblings and I to be involved in our culture. As I grew up, I was able to attend a few of the Ahiajoku lectures before coming to the United States. I am elated to know that this lecture series continues to awaken the consciousness of our people.
What has your experience been as a Nigerian living abroad?
My experience living abroad has been positive, for the most part. I am well-grounded in my faith and my cultural values. I try my best to be involved in our cultural activities so I can stay true to who I am. These values and activities, as well as my faith, guide my life and interactions with others. Any situation that does not glorify God is not for me. I am secure in my faith in Jesus Christ, and I try not to compromise that relationship. Being in the United States has not changed that, and for this I must thank God.
Personally, living abroad has been wonderful for my family and me. I give God all the glory. I have a very supportive circle of family and friends who are always there for me, and I reciprocate. I invest in people, and I am passionate about people. My relationship with others and the impact I make on peoples’ lives are much more important to me than the amount of wealth I amass.
From what we know about you, you are deeply involved with several organizations like the Imo State Congress of America (ISCA). This is in addition to the demands of your medical practice and voluntary health services and those of your roles as mother and wife.
How are you able to strike a balance?
I do not know what I would do without God’s faithfulness. He is my strength and I am very grateful to Him. I pray and meditate daily for God’s guidance. The power of prayer is absolutely invaluable in my life. It’s an opportunity for me to communicate with my creator and ask for His guidance.
Also, I could not strike the perfect balance as a wife and mother without the love and support of my husband and children. They are my backbone and my world. They encourage me to reach my highest potential and excel. They constantly tell me that I am destined for greatness. My husband is always there to lend a helping hand whenever I need it. I could not do all I do without him bridging the gap and with our children’s understanding. In everything I do, I put them first and ensure that they take center stage.
As a respected member of the diaspora community in the US, how do you feel about the alleged criminal activities of Nigerians?
Every country has criminals, and Nigeria is no different. However, I will say that the criminal activities that we are accustomed to hearing, regarding Nigerians, have reduced significantly. While this is an important question, I will prefer to highlight the excellent work Nigerians are doing in the United States. Most Nigerians living in America participate in humanitarian activities. They extend their hands, resources, and experience to help humanity. Some Nigerian organizations, both professional and community-oriented ones, are involved in different missions back home, like the medical missions we hear all the time.
Many Nigerians in America are involved in these medical and philanthropic missions to help their fellow Nigerians at home. My husband and I started these kinds of missions twenty years ago, and we still do them today. These are the types of activities I want the United States to know about Nigerians, and I am proud to highlight them. Most Nigerians are law-abiding and tax-paying citizens, and they should be recognized for their contributions to the United States.
How do you think the battered image of Nigeria and Nigerians can be repaired in the US?
This is an excellent question. I have read several articles regarding the positive images Nigeria and Nigerians once had in the US, back in the 1960s. I believe my generation can bring back that positive image. Now is the time. Every one of us, including our government back home, has major role to play in repairing and reshaping the image of Nigeria and Nigerians, not only in the United States but around the world. We should all be “Nigerian ambassadors” and “Nigerian cheerleaders” anywhere we are. It is only when we change other countries attitude towards Nigeria and Nigerians that we can enhance the national interest of our country. Nobody can elevate Nigeria but its citizens. Therefore, the onus is on us to repair and reshape the image of Nigeria and Nigerians in the United States of America.
I have to emphasize here that for the current attitude about Nigeria and Nigerians to change, steady and consistent steps by Nigerians in the diaspora are required. I have several solutions, but for this interview I will offer a three-pronged solution on how we can repair the image in question. Please note that these are simply my suggestions.
My first suggestion is to tackle unity. We must first unite and speak with one voice to create any change. Why is this necessary? This is necessary because what affects one Nigeria affects all Nigerians. It is only when we have our house in order in the diaspora can we look to the government at home to help us. When I speak of unity, I am not advocating for an umbrella organization for all Nigerians in the U.S. I am speaking on the idea that we should all have a collective desire to help each other. Other Diasporas from different countries living in the United States have learned the act of carrying everyone along for the benefits of their home countries.
My second suggestion is related to our government at home. Nigerians in the United States must form a partnership with our home government. We will need our government to establish what I call “diaspora diplomacy.” This type of diplomacy looks at ways to strengthen Nigerians’ interests abroad. How can our government achieve this? They can achieve this by encouraging Nigerians abroad to feel empowered to speak up with strong voices, even while being loyal citizens of their host countries.
My last solution involves establishing an investment or creating an initiative aimed at helping Nigerians in the U.S. invest in Nigeria. I believe this venture will give us the potential to engage Nigerians abroad. Nigeria is blessed with human resources-the people of Nigeria. In the United States, Nigerians are doing extremely well and excelling in different professions and endeavors. Our government at home can create an initiative that can leverage our human capital and use it to develop Nigeria. We can harness all the talents, education, experience, and training of Nigerians in the U.S. to our advantage, while building our image overseas. As Nigerians, we are lucky to have a government that encourages dual citizenship so we can perform at our best, no matter where we live.
What plans do you have to give back to your community back home?
As a diaspora, I have a lot to offer to my state: Imo State. I am glad that the government of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has reached out to the Diaspora to bring their skills to help him in rebuilding the state. My interest is in education and I am passionate about giving our Imo youths the opportunity to compete and excel globally. The prospect of rebuilding the educational system in Imo State is a dream come true for me. I understand that this venture will take dedication, hard-work, and remitting devotion to the project. However, it is crucial to have a well-developed strategic plan of action to achieve this and also, an enabling environment to aid in implementation.
I have compiled a well-articulated blue print with frame work on ways to rebuild Imo State educational system. I propose an educational system that not only proffers solutions but tackles the problems. The framework gives details of educational delivery strategies that are participatory and interactive. In addition, it elaborates on the basic needs of educators and curriculum developers which are critical to the effective implementation plans. Today, we are more globally connected in every sectors of life than ever. An innovative approach to teaching makes it a relevant tool to reach thousands of students anywhere in the world.
My dream is for Imo State to be a pace-setter in education at all levels. The state has the full potential to regain its place as the most educated state in the federation.
What are your expectations from the new administration in Imo State?
First, let me congratulate our newly sworn in Executive Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Ihedioha and his Deputy, Hon (Engr.) Gerald Irona. I also extend my hearty congratulations to Imo citizens at home and abroad for a new dawn in Imo State.
With regards to the expectations, I will first remind us that Rome was not built in a day. I know things have not been right in our state, beginning eight years ago. The mirage of problems and challenges facing Imo cannot be sorted out overnight because they were not created overnight. We must give the new administration the support and confidence it needs to move Imo forward.
I listened to and read the transcript of the inaugural speech of His Excellency. His slogan, “together we will rebuild Imo” says a lot about this incoming administration. I am impressed that he acknowledged the journey that brought him to power “has been a long journey, a journey that has been guided by divine favor……We would not be here today but the enormous sacrifices and prayers of our people” When you begin an endeavor by first acknowledging and giving honor to God, you are off to a great start.
I am equally impressed with the statement from the Governor on his inauguration day, which says it all for me. “Our mission is to rebuild reposition and transform Imo into an ecosystem for education, agriculture, industry, tourism, culture, sports, entertainment, human capital development, science and technology, and exploitation of our natural resources, thereby creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth and quality life for our people.” His manifesto during his campaign, which he briefly mentioned in the speech, listed my own expectations for this administration. Some areas of development in Imo State that the Governor wants to tackle include “good governance, human capital development, industrialization, job and wealth creation, agriculture and food security, peace and security, integrated infrastructural development, land administration, smart Imo, sustainable development goals, and women (gender), youths and vulnerable groups/sports development,” to mention but a few.
Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is the first Governor of Imo State to extend his hands to Imo State citizens in the diaspora to help rebuild and develop Imo State. This is a call for citizen participation. This is very promising, and it shows the type of leadership we will expect from this administration. By extending his hands to Imo Diasporas, His Excellency has invited and welcomed all diaspora resources, including human capital and natural resources, in rebuilding, transforming, reforming, and repositioning Imo State. This is a new day and a rebirth for Imo State.
As a Diaspora, I am encouraged and empowered to do my part in helping rebuild Imo State. I have experience in the medical, legal, and educational sectors, but I am most passionate about education. I believe that education is the single tool that can transform any individual. I am a strong advocate for providing Imo State youth and citizens the best education to enable them to compete globally. I have many articulated and sustainable plans that I have implemented successful in various educational settings that could help this administration rebuild the educational system of Imo State.
As the president and founder of NetPlus Clinicians (http://npclinicians.com), a medical education resource hub, I have experience in the educational sector in the United States. I will discuss these plans in the future. I am also willing to discuss them with the incoming administration.
I believe that Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s administration will consider the needs of Imo citizens and work towards providing those needs. When the basic needs of the citizens are met, the citizens are happy, and crimes may be reduced.
Rt. Hon. Ihedioha has the pedigree, experience, and training Imo needs for a Governor, and I am optimistic that he will not disappoint Imo State. As an experienced lawmaker, he understands the enormous tasks ahead of him. I believe he will welcome any constructive criticism, with the idea of Imo citizens holding elected officials accountable. We should be patient with the administration and allow it to settle in first before condemning it.
Finally, I am elated with our First Lady, a woman of impeccable humility, Her Excellency, Lady Ebere Ihedioha. I have followed her closely right from her husband’s days as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. She remains the same woman of modesty. This is exactly the kind of First Lady Imo State needs today. We want a First Lady with empathy and a humble wife of a Governor who understands the plights of her people especially the less privileged and vulnerable among us such as widows, indigent women and disabled children.
I hope when our First Lady chooses her pet project(s), she considers programs that will positively impact the state’s vulnerable population. I will like to see her embark on issues that will protect, empower, and give hope to women and children. Since 2014, I’ve been involved in women empowerment project that gives micro loans to Imo State widows to embark on small scale businesses. This yearly project alleviates suffering and assists these widows to sustain their means of livelihood. It continues to be one of the highlights of my humanitarian efforts. Honestly, it’s truly humbling and fulfilling to be involved in this.
I know when our First Lady is ready; she will be a vociferous voice for the issues facing women and children.
I appreciate the opportunity for this interview. Thank you.
