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2021 Democracy Edition’s Personality of the Time- Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo

Amb. Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a miracle to humanity. He betters and saves lives on a daily basis as a doctor, philanthropist, educator, a pillar of motivation, a pillar of positive example, a true definition of what it means to conquer impossibilities, and many more.

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He holds an MB, Bsc degree from the University of Nigeria, a post graduate diploma in Family Medicine from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Dr. Odo is a private investor in hospital and allied Health Care Services. He owns and operates MERIDIAN HOSPITAL LIMITED, as her group medical doctor. The 25-year-old Meridian Hospitals is about the best private hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation which is a non-governmental organization committed to health support campaigns in Nigeria through free medical missions, human capital development and social advocacy. He also is the National President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN).

In 1995, Dr. Odo decided to start a privately owned hospital after his attempt to secure a visa to the USA failed the fifth time. The dream to start a hospital did not just seem impossible, anyone then would say, and with apt justification, that it was impossible, especially because he lacked the financial strength to do so, knowing well how cost-demanding such a project is. But where there is a will, there is an assurance of success. In his words, “I set out begging from friends and strangers alike. I saw the good, the bad and the ugly. After begging for six months, I was able to finally pay up the rent. Then, I begged and borrowed materials to partition the rooms in the building.”

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Dr. Odo continued by sheer determination, hard work, God’s grace, a faith in oneself and a total belief that possibilities knows no bounds, till Meridian Hospitals attained the height it has in the society today. He and his team live by an awareness of what their journey is about and what their values are and a total commitment to them. Today, Meridian Hospital has broken bounds and grown beyond the expectations of many, and is presently equipping her newly constructed branch in Nkanu west LG, Enugu state. Dr. Odo decided to bring the wonders of the hospital to his home, after all, for the Igbos, wealth is best when it’s taken home.

Dr. Odo is marked by how he holds his patients and humanity at the highest level of importance.
Meridian Hospitals renders timely attention and care to her patients, in most cases, without deposits and writes off bills for those that are incapable of affording them. He treats the deaf and dumb free and even gives out donations and Christmas packages to villages and communities. He is a man with a large heart, who understands what it means to live for one another. With his wealth and achievements, one would think pride will take over him. But no, Dr. Odo is humble to the core, both in relating with his patients and people in general, regardless of class.

As the International President of Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, he has touched lives in various communities, as it concerns medicare and general human wellbeing, not to mention scholarships to indigent students. Through him, Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 15 students of various tertiary institutions in his home, Obuoffia, Awkunanaw. The students do receive the sum of N100,000 annually until their graduation from their respective institutions. Some who never thought they would survive as students were given a bright hope all because of this miracle in human form, Amb, Dr. Iyke Odo. The scholarship is aside the tuition of hundreds of other students that he pays in his community, and other random persons that come to him for help who never regretted it.

He also, with some support from Pilgrims Africa Health Foundation, built an ultra-modern library in his community, Obuoffia. The library has one of the best e-library departments there is in any community library around. His community will always be thankful for the rare gift that he is.

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Dr. Ikechukwu Odo holds lots of awards including the Award of World Ambassador for Peace, United Nations POLAC, The African Leadership Excellence Award in Medicine, London 2018, The Nelson Mandela Life Achievers Merit Award and lots more.

Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is a commanding force on everything he touches. He does everything with diligence, love, determination and an overall care for humanity. He stays true to his oath as a medic, with dedication and defiance.

His personality is worth celebrating over and over again. Amb, Dr. Ugwu Ikechukwu Odo is not just the Personality of the Time, he is one of the personalities of the century, far above par.

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Watch out for the Independence edition’s Personality of the Time.