Celebrating Ndi-Igbo

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ajakwe graduated from Inglewood’s Morningside High and attended the University of Redlands on an academic scholarship. He earned degrees in English and Political Science and was named Most Outstanding Senior of his graduating class. He paid his way through college working in a movie theater, and covering news and sports for Redland’s Magazine, the Redlands Daily Facts and the Riverside Press Enterprise. Since 1993, Michael has worked in the theatre with renowned performers like Emmy-winner Glynn Turman, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Debbie Allen, Ted Lange, Phil Morris, Robert Ri’chard, Hill Harper, Niecy Nash, Tommy Hicks, Tracee Ellis Ross, Art Evans, Gary Sturgis, James Pickens, Tatyana Ali, Marc Coppage, Estelle Harris, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Lee Garlington, Robert Pine, Shayla Rivera, Gary Anthony Williams, Ralph Carter, Deniece Williams, Charles Dutton and Oscar winner Mo’Nique. As a tv and film writer, he’s worked with Martin Lawrence, Greg Kinnear...

Chima Ephraim Okorie is a former professional football striker who was renowned for his goalscoring prowess in the Indian leagues. Okorie moved to India as a student, his big break came when he played first time in the Durand Cup, when is represented Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad x1. There was no such thing as Chandigarh team was an all volunteer team and could not afford to pay their players. He then signed a major deal with Mohammedan SC, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. He then moved to England, joining Peterborough United on non-contract terms before joining Grimsby Town in September 1993. He made his English league debut as a substitute away to Crystal Palace winning the Sunday Man of the match, and made four further appearances (all as a substitute) as his career at Grimsby was interrupted by a broken leg. He moved to Torquay United in March 1994 and was a regular in the Torquay side for the next twelve months, before losing his place to Duane Darby. He was released at the end of...

Mr Emeka Mba is the new Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). He was formerly the Director General of National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB). Emeka is a graduate of Enugu State University of Science/Technology and IESE Business School, University of Navarra. He has also served as a Regulatory Affairs Manager for Multichoice Nigeria Ltd where he was responsible for regulatory strategy and Policy, day to day engagement of government and industry stakeholders.

Joanna Chikwe is Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Associate Program Director of the Integrated and Independent Thoracic Surgery Residency Programs. She is also Mount Sinai's first female cardiac surgeon. Dr. Joanna Chikwe specializes in using minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques to reduce post-operative discomfort, speed recovery and improve cosmetic appearance of incisions after surgery. Dr. Chikwe is one of a handful of US surgeons with advanced training in both reconstructive valve surgery and minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques such as off-pump, video and robotic-assisted surgery. She works closely with a dedicated plastic surgery and anesthesiology team with a specialist interest in minimally invasive cardiac surgery. Dr. Chikwe employs valve repair to preserve natural valve tissue wherever possible, as well as off-pump surgery to avoid cardiopulmonary bypass for selected coronary bypass procedures. Dr. Chikwe received her medical ...

One to Watch: Nneoma Okorie is a host and radio/TV personality who describes herself as “a woman striving to be the voice of the youth amongst her generation”. Nneoma aims to be “the next Oprah” and lives her life by the mantra “You are never too young to accomplish anything no matter how big or small, if you push yourself hard enough anything is possible. Just believe.” A second born, first-generation Nigerian American, she had a strict upbringing. But at a young age, she realised what she loved to do, and decided to become a media mogul. In pursuit of that dream she says “I continuously challenge myself by taking on difficult tasks, and by dedicating time, effort and passion towards pursuing my dreams.” The stylish teenager also co-hosts the popular webshow: The Nne & Ike Show, with fellow host Ike Slimster. The Nne & Ike Show is a show that consists of popular topics such as music, fashion, comedy, and etc.

Nkechinyere Anele is lead singer of Saskwatch, a nine-piece Soul / R&B band based in Australia. Having earned a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most electrifying live acts, 9-piece band Saskwatch have taken their unique music to some of the Australia’s biggest and best festivals, including Bluesfest, Meredith and Falls. They have graced the same stage as Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Maceo Parker, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Earth, Wind and Fire. Their 2012 debut album, Leave It All Behind, was released to critical acclaim and their single, “Your Love”, fast became a triple j favourite. They have performed intensive series of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the BlackisBack in Spain as well as the world’s biggest music festival, Glastonbury.

One to watch Jordon Ibe caught the eye of Premier League giants Liverpool several years ago after only 11 senior appearances at Wycombe Wanderers. Having made his debut at the young age of 15 as a substitute against Colchester United he soon became the youngest ever Wycombe player to score in the Football League with a fine solo effort against Sheffield Wednesday in a 2-1 defeat. The Chairboys' youth-team product reportedly began to attract interest from Manchester United until in late 2011, but Liverpool snapped up the young prospect for a reported fee of £500,000 plus future additional installments. Ibe began to earn rave reviews at youth level for Liverpool under-21s and his performances led many fans to tip him as the next off of Liverpool's Academy production line. In reward for his form, he was awarded Academy Player of the Year 2012-13 in an official online poll. The winger was consequently handed his senior debut against QPR in May in which he assisted Phill...