By Our Correspondent
A US-Based Nigerian Professor , Author and Psychologist, Dr. Mrs Felicia Ekwutosi Okeke-Ibezim has expressed concern over Nigerian people always electing old people as leaders.
While she acknowledged the fact that old people have experience, nevertheless, the younger generation needs to be given a chance to govern in order to bring in new and fresh ideas, innovative skills and all it takes to navigate the digital world.
In an interview by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ led by Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, at her Enugu Residence, the Awka-born philanthropist and a prolific writer who previously taught at Federal Polytechnic Oko, in the early 90’s, advocated that Nigeria copy the minimum age for a candidate to run for presidency to be 35 years and maximum of 70 years. For Governorship, she suggested a minimum age of 30 years.
Dr Felicia Ibezim decried the corrupt practices and narcissistic behaviour of many Nigerian leaders, without caring for the sufferings of the struggling masses. She calls for conscientious, responsible and selfless leadership in Nigeria.
Married in Amaigbo, Imo state to late Dr. David Ikechukwu Ibezim, Dr. Felicia Ibezim described Nigeria as an “amalgamation failure” stated that she has little or no faith in illusionary one Nigeria, stressing that Regional Autonomy may be answer to the beleaguered country’s problems.
A successful real estate investor and a philanthropist who built a free multi-purpose 2 -story halls and Event center for her community in Awka, which generates income for the community, has also previously built the first free solar-powered Library and Computer Center in Amaigbo, to help youths and women and men in the village to learn how to navigate in the digital world.
Dr Ibezim also has scholarship programs for students from struggling families.
Described as “enyi ndi ogbenye”, Dr. Felicia has given some young widows in Amaigbo some monetary assistance to start a small business or add to their existing ones.
In addition to being a multi-faceted and multi-talented woman of substance, Dr Felicia Ekwutosi Ibezim is a fashion icon. She models for fun, both African fashion and contemporary western styles. She wanted to change the narrative that professors need not to dress in only unflattering clothes. She wanted to teach young girls that they could be beautiful, brainy, hardworking , fashionable and with a good heart.
In her You Tube Channel titled, Social Conscience, Dr Felicia explores and creates awareness of the social political, psychological and cultural issues in the Society.
More photos from the visit:
