Okwesilieze Nwodo

Nwodo studied medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1971–77). Between 1977 and 1980, he was a house officer at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu and at the Military Hospital in Jos. He continued his studies at the Royal College of Surgeons, London (1980) and the Belgrade Medical School, Yugoslavia (1980–84), gaining an MB.BS in Medicine and Surgery. He worked as a pediatric surgeon in Yugoslavia and then in Birmingham, England, before returning to Nigeria and taking a post as Medical Doctor at the Ukehe Medical Centre and Maternity (1984-1991).

Nwodo was elected Governor of Enugu State in January 1992 on the NRC platform during the Nigerian Third Republic. He held office until November 1993, when General Sani Abacha came to power in a military coup.

He was twice elected Secretary General of People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 1999-2001. In October 2001 he was replaced by Vincent Ogbulafor as PDP party secretary. He fell out with Enugu State governor Chimaroke Nnamani in 2002. In December 2003 the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission announced that it was investigating Nwodo and others in connection with a multi-billion naira bribery scandal related to the National Identity Card scheme.

In 2007 he was awarded a national honor, Commander of the Niger, by President Shehu Yar'Adua.In 2010 he was elected National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party. In 2010 he was cleared of all charges on the Identity Card scandal. In 2014 The Beta Sigma Fraternity International, at its biennial convention held at Enugu, has elected Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, as its President for the next two years. Other elected officers include; Dr Duke Igwilo, UK- based Forensic Psychiatrist and Director General, Alex Ekwueme Foundation, as Vice President; Mr Valentine Okechukwu as Registrar, Dr Emeka Obieze as Deputy Registar, Mr Charles Ekwulugo as Financial Secretary and Damian Obiora as Publicity Secretary. In his acceptance speech, Nwodo, enjoined all members to live up to the high ideals for which the Beta Sigma was formed in Nigeria. He stated that “at a time when our society is plagued by socio-economic problems and security challenges, members should extend hand of fellowship to the less-privileged and the poor in our communities.” He said activities to mark the golden jubilee of the Fraternity will be announced soon. The Beta Sigma Fraternity International is a soco- cultural, philanthropic and international service organisation for graduates and undergraduates

worldwide.