I am the least qualified to pen a post-Honourary award discourse on High Chief Sir Anterus C. Ezeh Ph.D (Okpataozuoha I of Leru ancient Kingdom). I am too close to him to draw a neutral credibility when I describe him. And so, since he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree Award yesterday, I have been ruminating on how best to put out this essay without sounding like a broken record. People could conveniently judge me from a place of sycophancy. But then, no one else can appropriately paint another man’s picture better than an insider.
I am a biographer, not an itinerant writer. If I voluntarily lie in my chronicles of other people’s profiles, then I would have indirectly de-marketed myself before my readers. And that means an end to a budding career. This is why I make sure that every topic I discuss is verifiable, and all claims empirically palpable.
The man of multiple accolades we know today as High Chief Sir Anterus C. Ezeh Ph.D may have been my childhood hero. But I am not blinded by the “heroism” of any man, to the extent of extinguishing the light of critical thinking. I know he has his shortcomings. We all do. It is an inherited universal human trait. But we all hail the man whose weakness is weaker than his strength. Chief Anterus embodies such a rare personality.
Yesterday, he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree. The frequency of such invitations to him for an award from reputable organizations has doubled since he founded La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, and its affiliate tertiary Healthcare facility — La Vera College Hospital and Diagnostics Ltd, Nsukka.
He had been blazing his trail in the UK. But now, he has shown his Igbo-man nature by investing at home. “Aku ruo ulo amara onye kpatara ya” is a timeless Igbo adage compelling people to think home in prosperity.
This latest title on him (Doctor of Healthcare Management) marks a significant milestone in his lifelong journey of healthcare advocacy, entrepreneurial excellence, and philanthropic leadership. This prestigious award, presented by High Stone Global University in collaboration with the Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy, Nigeria, during the 2024 African Change Makers Accelerator Lecture Series, is a recognition of Chief Eze’s profound impact in both the UK and Nigeria, particularly in the fields of medical education and healthcare delivery.
His extraordinary contributions to healthcare stem from his firm belief in the transformative power of education and quality care. Through La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, and its affiliate, La Vera College Hospital and Diagnostics Ltd, he is spearheading an educational revolution that aims to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to improve public health standards, especially in underserved communities in Nigeria. His efforts have not only filled gaps in the healthcare system but have also set the stage for a more sustainable, community-oriented approach to healthcare delivery. His work continues to inspire many in the Medical and Educational sectors, setting him apart as a visionary leader who is helping to shape the future of healthcare in Africa.
Born on March 3, 1973, in Akanugu Ada Obollo Etiti, Udenu LGA, Enugu State, Chief Eze’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to service. His early life was shaped by the values instilled in him by his father, a passionate believer in the power of education despite his own limited formal schooling. After his father’s death while Chief Eze was still in secondary school, he persevered with the support of his mother and elder siblings to honor his father’s wish of providing him with a quality education.
His educational path, which began in local schools in Obollo Etiti, eventually took him to esteemed institutions like the University of Ibadan and the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where he earned multiple degrees in Philosophy, Theology and Law. This diverse academic background reflects his broad intellectual curiosity and ability to bridge disciplines—skills that have undoubtedly informed his approach to healthcare management and leadership.
Six days ago, at a function in one of his Alma Maters, the Bishop of his home Diocese, Nsukka, who also doubles as his former Lecturer — Prof. Godfrey Onah described him as “a priest in mufty.” For having been a Religious of Oblates of St. Joseph Congregation, it is impossible to separate his life from the impact that Catholic seminary formation have had on him.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Chief Eze’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish La Vera Resources in both the UK and Nigeria, as well as Abbeys Care in the UK. These ventures reflect his understanding of the critical intersection between business and healthcare, where innovation, efficiency, and social responsibility can combine to create lasting change. His ventures have been instrumental in providing healthcare resources and services to marginalized communities, addressing public health challenges both in Europe and Africa.
One of his most notable contributions to healthcare has been his commitment to medical missions and healthcare outreach. Through these initiatives, he has directly improved the lives of many individuals by providing access to medical care, distributing resources, and alleviating health-related suffering in underprivileged regions.
The Honorary Doctorate Degree in Healthcare Management is not only a recognition of Chief Eze’s success as an entrepreneur and healthcare leader but also a tribute to his advocacy for education, leadership, and social justice. He is also a philanthropist of high repute.
Despite his many professional accomplishments, High Chief Anterus remains grounded in his personal life. He is a devoted husband to Dame Rita Ogonna Anterus, a distinguished Nurse, and a proud father to six children. His hobbies—reading and playing badminton—allow him to maintain mental clarity and physical well-being, balancing the demands of his professional endeavors with personal wellness.
Yesterday’s conferral of the Honorary Doctorate Degree on Healthcare Management to him is a fitting tribute and it evokes a laudable sentiment for us to pay more attention to, and appreciate his remarkable contributions to healthcare and education.
Let the divine decree of Luke Chapter 2:14 be his lot and may daylight spare us.
✍️Jude Eze.
