Profiles of award Recipients

Edidiong graduated as the valedictorian of Gulliver Preparatory School—a prestigious high school in Miami, Florida. After high school, she attended Harvard University where she graduated with honors in only three years. She continued on to medical school at Yale University where she obtained both her medical degree (M.D.) and Master’s in Public Health (M.P.H). In her last year of medical school, she met the love of her life, Mr. Ubong Inyang Ekpo. She and Mr. Ekpo were married in December of 2004 back in their mutual hometown of Ndiya, Nsit Ubium local government area. Soon after marrying her husband, she lost her father, Dr. Nsidibe Ikpe—a prominent physician who was an inspiration to her and many members of the Nigerian community. Though devastated, she persevered, continuing on to complete her post-doctorate training at the University of Los Angeles (UCLA) where she was accepted to a competitive residency program which allowed her to become double-boarded in both Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Along the way, Edidiong has been blessed with two beautiful sons: Mr. Nsidibe Ekpo (age 6) and Mr. Unwana Ekpo (age 3).

Edidiong is a dedicated wife and mother, yet remains committed to her lifelong goal of making this world a better place. In her four years at Emory, she has worked as an attending physician in the Emergency Departments of the Atlanta VA and Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta’s urban Level 1 Trauma Center and safety net hospital for the metro Atlanta region. Her dedication has been praised. Among Emory faculty, she consistently has some of the highest teaching scores in her evaluations by residents and medical students. In fact, in 2013, she was awarded Faculty Advisor of the Year by the Emory Emergency Department. The following year, she was elected as the Faculty Teacher of the Year by rotating residents in the Grady Emergency Department.

Dr. Ikpe-Ekpo has also been influential in reshaping the delivery of healthcare to women veterans of the United States. In 2012, she was awarded two national grants by the US Federal Government’s Women’s Health Services to improve emergency care for women veterans.

Through these national grants, Dr. Ikpe-Ekpo organized the first ever Women’s Health Mini-Residency for Emergency Providers in the southeast region of the United States. Her passion for women’s health care has been recognized nationally and she was invited by the Veterans Administration Women’s Health Services in Washington, DC, to serve on the planning committee for the National Women’s Health Mini-Residency for Emergency Providers where she was a guest speaker. She presently serves as chair of the Atlanta VA’s Emergency Women’s Health Committee.

During his undergraduate career at Georgia state he served as president of 4 separate organizations and by his tenure he’d served on 28 e-boards of organizations on campus. While Femi is a natural promoter for Georgia State, he also officially serves as an ambassador for the university as a member of the 1913 Society. Femi has recvieved many honors and awards he was recently recognized as the face of the University when he was elected as the 2013 Centennial Homecoming King. He was recognized by the Office of Civic Engagement with the 2014 President’s Volunteer Service Award in the Outstanding Student category.

2014 Ace Award recipient for Academic and Curricular excellence, 2014 Neil Hamilton Trotter Recipient (The Highest Student Award given at Georgia State University for student impact); US who is who amongst college student U.S Presidential Seal. He currently works in the Office of the president as an assistant to the Director of Communications and serves as a graduate assistant/advisor to the Presidents society. In his free time, he teaches classes at Georgia State University to incoming freshman and serves on a University Wide Advisory Board.

He currently works in the Office of the president as an assistant to the Director of Communications and serves as a graduate assistant/advisor to the Presidents society. In his free time, he teaches classes at Georgia State University to incoming freshman and serves on a University Wide Advisory Board.

Femi has been known as someone with a big heart who seeks opportunities to give back to the community. He has volunteered hundreds of hours with the university and surrounding community. As President of Clothe Your Neighbor as Yourself, he encourages students to engage in service to the community. He has volunteered with the Bethel Fellowship Church, Habitat for Humanity, and Gateway Center as well as numerous other service projects.

Dr. Igietseme is a US Government’s scientist and Subject-matter expert in biomedical science, a regular member of several US Government’s expert and advisory panels for research evaluation and accreditation. As an academic, educator and researcher, Dr. Igietseme is an Award-winning Scientist, a Principal Investigator and Program Director of several Govt, foundation and corporate research programs in infection pathogenesis, immunity and vaccinology. He received the 1995 Red Sash Award for medical education at UAMS, and the 1999 Special Faculty-Dean Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to Basic Science Research at Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA. He won the 2010 SHEPARD Award and the Nagano Citation for outstanding research by CDC scientists. He’s cited in the WHO IS WHO in Medicine & Healthcare 2006-2007, 6th Edition, for outstanding achievement in biomedical research and education. Dr. Igietseme is a member of several scientific/professional bodies and societies: American Association of Immunologists, American Society for Microbiology, and other American, European and International Scientific Societies. Dr. Igietseme’s research supports and grants are over $50 million in the last decade and recorded over 200 research publications and presentations. He has trained/mentored over 20 Ph.D./M.S. students since 1990; and has mentored several junior faculty/professors and professionals.

Dr. Igietseme is very conscious of the need to maintain the biologic bonds with Nigeria, supporting diaspora community empowerment and advocacy for the progress of the Nigerian nation in education, research and development (R&D), governance and development. Thus, Dr. Igietseme holds active membership or supports of a number of Nigerian diaspora organizations, including: NIDO Americas; ISADUS, a US-based, international organization of Nigerians from Weppa Wanno Kingdom, Edo State, Nigeria; Afenmai Association of Georgia, Arkansas Association of Nigerians, USAGBE Americas (Chapter of USAGBE Club Of Nigeria); NICORE, Inc, an Atlanta-based socioeconomic group of Nigerian professionals advocates community economic empowerment for Nigerians in the Diaspora. Dr. Igietseme was the Vice Chancellor’s Guest Lecturer in 2012 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka [UNN], lectured on: Milestones in Chlamydia Research: Immunobiology, Pathogenesis & Vaccine, and discussed tips for a successful Biomedical scientist career. Furthermore, Dr. Igietseme is the International Coordinator and Originator of the “Promotion of University Biomedical Science Development [PUBSD]”, the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s program for promotion of academic/scientific research in Nigerian Universities through building of collaborations, identifying resources and funding opportunities, program development, training and technology/expertise transfers. Lastly, Dr. Igietseme is committed to the progress of the Nigerian community abroad, constantly facilitating and assisting with the provision of educational, career and employment opportunities for Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora. He projects a positive image of Nigerians in academia and scientific research in the international community. He is an inspiration for young Nigerians in the Diaspora and elsewhere. In recognition of his relentless community service and leadership for community development, USA, Dr. Igietseme received the Outstanding Georgia Citizenship award from the Secretary of State GA USA in 2001. Dr. Igietseme has a family of 3 Children – Gabriel, Nene and Jojackson.

DEDICATION OF AWARD: Dr. Igietseme dedicates this ANOG Image Award to: All Believers in Personal Sacrifices for Community and Societal Advancement.

In addition to her work life Nwamaka has always been passionate about youth and cultural development. She is one of the first members of Nigerian Youth Alliance Inc. which was founded in Atlanta, GA in 1999. She once served as the Secretary General and had the honor of being selected as the Nigerian Youth of the Year in 2003 during the annual graduation ceremony. She currently serves as a trustee and Alumni member assisting the youth in the planning and implementation of programs. She also participates in Umu Igbo Unite Inc. and has served on their executive board in the past. She is an alumni member of the Igbo Union Youth Group and Otu Umunne Cultural Organization. She maintains close ties with many of the members of these organizations because she firmly believes in the power of a strong network.

In her spare time Nwamaka loves spending time with her family. She is the daughter of HRH Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy Eze Ogwuike II of Atani and HRH Oduanwanyi Adaeze Ngoddy and sister of Uche, Chichi and Austin Jr. She attributes her love for leadership to a strong family foundation where she was taught the importance of education, philanthropy and uplifting the culture and community. She also enjoys reading, fellowship with friends, and live bands.

Nwamaka thanks ANOG for this recognition and will strive to continue to uphold the ideals of this organization through service to the community!

Contact Info: Nwamaka Ngoddy, O.D.

(770) 960-1604, contact@theeyepro.com, www.TheEyePro.com

Dr. Onabanjo served as the Director of Prior Learning Assessment, ALC, University System of Georgia from 2008-2012. He is currently the President and Ceo of A. D. King Foundation, Inc. He produced a documentary entitled “Rev. A D Williams King: Behold the Dream: Brother to the Dreamer”. The compelling story of the historic life and legacy of Rev. A. D. Williams King, brother to the civil rights legend and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Onabanjo is the producer of the 2013 African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo. (www.adkingfoundation.com). He is also the chair of the convening organizations for the Bimini Peace Retreat from November 1 – 3, 2013.

Dr. Onabanjo is the founder and producer of the King Youth Empowerment Parade from 2009 – present. He is also the founder and producer of the King Youth Empowerment Health Summit.

Dr. Onabanjo served on many organization boards including Atlanta Cares, King for America, Campaign for Democracy and Nigerian Alliance for Democracy. Dr. Onabanjo served as the President of Nigerian Alliance for Democracy from 1993-2000, a member of NADECO and NALICON chaired by Prof. Wole Soyinka.

Dr. Onabanjo has received numerous awards and has recently successfully hosted the 1st and 2nd practical Entrepreneurship training, tutoring and mentoring of more than 50 Nigerian Vice-Chancellors and Directors of Entrepreneurship in partnership with Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University and many of our industry partners. This is a new paradigm shift in the Nigerian University and Tertiary Educational System.

Prof. Okafor is a member of several professional organizations and has presented at several professional conferences: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), Southeastern Section of the American Physics Society, Georgia Academy of Sciences; Sigma Pi Sigma (SPS) National Physics Honor Society; American Association for Higher Education (AAHE). (2000–2004); presenter, African Studies Association: 50th meeting (New York). • Prof. Okafor is a published author of an ancillary calculus-based physics book, and reviewer of several published physics textbooks.

Nigeria Diaspora Community Leadership Experience - As a community leader, Prof. Martin Okafor has established a proven and extensive track record of leadership with strong vision and aptitude for Diaspora organizational management and administration.

• NIDO-Americas (Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization in the Americas) (2000 - present):

Prof. Okafor is a Founding Board Member and Founding General Secretary of NIDO-Americas. He continues to actively contribute in different roles toward the success of NIDO-Americas from 2000 to present.

• Alliance of Nigerian Organizations in Georgia USA (ANOG USA): As one of the founding members of ANOG USA, Prof. Okafor participated in reviewing the draft ANOG constitution, and has since served in roles that include organizing ANOG seminars and symposia.
• Nigeria Diaspora Diagnostic and Trauma Foundation (NDDTF) (2014 - present): Founding President.
• Mbieri Nwaotuoke USA, Inc.: As the Founding National President (2000-2008) of this non-profit national organization of Mbieri people residing in the USA, Prof. Martin Okafor served in different roles as: • Immediate Past National President (2008 – 2010); • National Treasurer (2010 – 2012). At the Atlanta local chapter, Mbieri Community Association Atlanta, Prof. Okafor served as the General Secretary for two years (1998 – 2000).
• Imo State Congress of America Inc. (ISCA): • ISCA Chairman, Education Committee (2012 - 2015).
• Igbo Union Atlanta Inc.(IUA): Prof. Okafor served IUA in several roles since 1996: as the elected IUA Editor-in-Chief (2000), chair/member of investigative committees, as moderator of IUA town hall meetings, as organizer and chair of Igbo Day symposia and the General Ojukwu Memorial Symposium Committee.
• All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC): During his tenure in leadership roles in ANAC, Prof. Martin Okafor was a ranking ANAC Trustee, serving ANAC in several roles including: • National Vice Chairman and • National Chairman (2008 – 2010).
• NICORE Inc.: Prof. Martin Okafor has been a member (since 1997) and served in different roles: • Director for Research & Administration, • NICORE Representative to ANOG USA, (2005 – 2012), and • Managing Director/CEO of NICORE Inc. (2008 – 2010).

Prof. Okafor hails from Mbieri, Imo State, Nigeria. He earned B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics (1977) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and MS Physics (1983) at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. Prof. Okafor and his wife, Nwakaego, (who is also an educator) have been married since 1984. Their son, Uzoma, earned his degree in computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, and completing a graduate program at Georgia State University, Atlanta.