Celebrating Ndi-Igbo

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...

Ndidi Ekubia is a talented and well-read silversmith. She achieved her MA in Silversmithing at the Royal College of Arts in 1998 and has since been showcasing her beautiful and creative pieces in prestigious exhibitions. She has been growing in reputation and is well known for her imaginative style and her use of traditional techniques where she beats sheet metal over wooden and steel forms. Using traditional silversmithing techniques that require the beating of sheet metal over steel and wooden forms, Ndidi produces a range of exquisite vessels, including wine goblets and ice buckets. For The New Craftsmen she has produced a new addition to her work – a limited number of classic household candle snuffers. Ndidi’s inspirations stem from the patterns of everyday life; from the cityscape of London through to organic natural forms.  In turn, her artistic landscape has been determined by the bold Africa shapes, textiles, food and passionate family conversation of her childhood....

Dr Akudo Anyanwu Ikemba has been shortlisted as one of the 3 finalists for the Ogunte Women’s Social Leadership Awards in the category: Leader Charitable Organisations and Campaigns 2013. Akudo founded Friends Africa  as an African voice in support of the Global Fund and the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Friends Africa mobilizes and builds the capacity of the African private sector, civil society and government to improve Africa’s health and is the recipient of the 2012 Stevie Award for Non-profit of the year and finalist for the 2012 ONE Africa Award. She serves on a number of boards including Roll Back Malaria, the Global Health Council and the Nigerian arm of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). Through her leadership, Friends Africa has been able mobilize over $560 million USD to countries in Africa for the purpose of integrating family planning and HIV services. Dr Anyanwu Ikemba is a World Economic Forum 2012 Young Global Leader, Stevie Award Female...