Meet the Board

Current Board Members

Dr. Everestus Akanno
Chairperson

Kathleen Ezeji-Okoye
Vice Chairperson

Dr. Uchenna Okereafor
IT Coordinator

Nkechi Ezeonyeasi
Principal

Ifeoma Okoye
ICAE President

Oge Igwe
Secretary of the Board

Dr. Everestus Akanno

Chairperson

Dr. Everestus Chima Akanno hails from Oboh, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, Nigeria. He received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Animal Science and Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding, respectively, from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. Dr. Akanno worked briefly as a Lecturer at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria before coming to Canada. In 2007, Dr. Akanno was awarded the prestigious commonwealth scholarship to come to Canada for his Doctorate program at the University of Guelph, arriving Guelph, Canada on September 1, 2007.

After completing his doctorate program in 2012, he moved to Edmonton with his family to accept a postdoctoral role at the University of Alberta. While at the University of Alberta, Dr. Akanno provided leadership in several research projects, supervised and mentored several students including 2 PhDs. Dr. Akanno is widely published with over 60 articles in scientific literature and is currently the Global Genetic Evaluation Manager for Genesus Inc. (a swine genetic improvement company) and an adjunct faculty with Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta.

Within the Igbo community, Dr. Akanno has served in several roles including Secretary of Election Committee, Strong voice in Igbo Choir, Member of Iriji Committee, Member of Grant and Fund Raising committee and currently the Chairperson of the Edmonton Igbo School Board. He is married to Vivian Ijeoma Akanno, and the marriage is blessed with Chidubem, Chizaram, Chibuike and Chimamanda.

Kathleen Ezeji-Okoye

Vice Chairperson

Kathleen has an Honours Degree in French, Latin and History from the University of Bristol, England and l’Université de Grenoble, France. She has a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Exeter, England, and an Alberta Permanent Professional Certificate (PPC). She has taught at Elementary, Junior High and High School levels in Nigeria, Biafra, the UK and Canada, concentrating principally on teaching French as a second language (FL2) at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels and was involved in updating the Alberta FL2 curriculum. In addition, she served as Head of French and Library Liaison teacher, led student extracurricular programmes, attended professional development workshops and conferences and gave in-services to peers and administrators at the district and school levels.

Passionate about language learning, she has taken several courses in German and Spanish and is currently upgrading her Igbo language skills. In addition to her career, studies, hobbies of reading and gardening, and role as mother and grandmother, Kathleen has worked in diverse volunteer support and executive roles including the Guiding and Scouting movements, minor hockey, and outreach to the elderly. Till recently she was a member of the Executive Committee of the Edmonton Medical Women’s Club, a social, support, and networking organization, and at present organizes and leads one of its social groups. A long-time member of The Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (ICAE) she is currently a member of or leads a number of Edmonton Igbo School (EIS) groups and committees and has authored and coauthored documents relevant to the running of the school.

Kathleen’s extensive professional and personal life experiences equip her well to serve as Vice Chair of the EIS Board. She is friendly and approachable and enjoys serving and working with others of all ages and backgrounds. A confident and well-organized leader and decision maker, Kathleen believes in inclusivity, respectful discussion, the collaborative approach to problem solving, and the need to serve all EIS stakeholders.

Ifeoma Okoye

ICAE President

Ifeoma M Okoye is the current president of Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (ICAE). She is the first female president of ICAE since its inception in 2002. It is under her leadership that the Edmonton Igbo School has transformed the delivery of its program online and has developed its very first website with the generous support of the Government of Alberta through the Community Support Fund program.

Ifeoma is a partner at Ackroyd LLP in Edmonton, Alberta, where she practises in the areas of regulatory law, environmental law, business and commercial law, real estate law (residential and commercial), aboriginal law, and civil litigation. She obtained her law degree from the University of Nigeria, and practised in Lagos before immigrating to Canada for a master of laws degree at the University of Alberta.

Ifeoma believes strongly in community service and in promoting Igbo culture and language. She had previously served as a volunteer in various capacities in ICAE, including as secretary. She regularly volunteers in the legal community through Pro Bono Alberta and in the wider African community through participation in Africa Centre’s various initiatives including Africa Centre’s free legal clinic.

Despite her busy schedule, Ifeoma enjoys spending time with her loving husband, Nnamelugo, and their four lovely children.

Dr. Uchenna Okereafor

IT Coordinator

Dr. Okereafor landed in Edmonton as a Permanent Resident in 2020. He grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri - Nigeria, a Bachelor of Education degree, from the University of South Africa, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Engineering Metallurgy with specialization in Environmental Remediation both from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He has worked extensively with people of different ages and has undertaken roles including Math and Science teacher for grades 8 -10 in Johannesburg, South Africa, a University Lecturer with a specialty in Metallurgical Engineering modules at the prestigious University of Johannesburg, Student Mentor, and Graduate Advisor for Golden Key International Honour Society, Community Disability Support Worker (CDSW) and advocate for the vulnerable persons within communities in Edmonton and as a Project Coordinator for the University of Alberta Queen Elizabeth Scholar program. 

Dr. Okereafor’s scientific publications as a seasoned environmental remediation professional have received over 210 citations in high-impact journals with an h-index of 4. He successfully documented the scientific process for manufacturing glass from gold mine tailings in his publication “Gold mine tailings: a potential source of silica sand for glass making”. He is a volunteer at the Edmonton Food Bank, and Africa Center respectively. Currently, he is a high school Math and Science teacher with the Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD). Dr. Okereafor is passionate about youth and community development. He is the Project Coordinator for the flagship Youth Empowerment Support (YES) program of The Resilient Immigrant Foundation (TRIF). Also, he is the Vice President of the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (ICAE) commitment to community engagement programs.

Dr. Okereafor is married to Dr. Nkem Uche-Okereafor and they have two children. He enjoys writing and creating motivational quotes and inspirational posters during his free time as a way to keep individuals and community members motivated.

Nkechi Ezeonyeasi

Principal

Nkechi Uzor-Ezeonyeasi is an accomplished professional and organizational leader with extensive experience in various industries, including oil & gas, energy, and environmental sectors. She possesses excellent skills in strategic planning, business leadership, policy building, process safety leadership, business intelligence and development, channel management, team coaching, and communication.

Nkechi holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria, a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (Honors) from NAIT Alberta Canada, a Mini MBA, an Advanced Diploma in Innovation, Business Growth, and Digital Execution USA, a Master of Business Administration USA, and completed a Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship Essentials from the Harvard Business School.

Throughout her ten-year work history, Nkechi has held various leadership and advisory roles in the private and public sectors. She has successfully led project safety management in Trinidad and Tobago, and in Alberta Canada, established a structured and efficient micro, small, and medium enterprise government agency in Nigeria, and coordinated projects for the ICAE and Government of Alberta Canada's COVID-19 Mental Health Project. Nkechi has severed in various roles in the Edmonton Igbo community including the Igbo school board curriculum committee and is currently the Principal of Edmonton Igbo School here in Alberta Canada. 

Nkechi Uzor-Ezeonyeasi is a wife, and a mom of 3 lovely children, and she enjoys sports, writing, and volunteering activities in different capacities outdoors.

Chidi Iwuchukwu

Ex-Chairperson

Chidi lwuchukwu is the bestselling author of Coming To Canada: The Ultimate Success Guide for New Immigrants and Travelers. He uses his own personal story, highlighting a variety of harrowing life experiences and transitions along the way, to illustrate how to transform trials into triumphs.

His community development work in Canada include serving as a Client Service Representative at Edmonton's Food Bank; Director of Humanitarian Services for the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton; the Chairman, Parents-Teachers Association of Edmonton Igbo School; Chairman, Board of the Edmonton Igbo School; Director of the Edgemont Community League, Member of the City of Edmonton's Round Table on Reduction of Red Tapes for Business and Treasurer of the Parents Teachers Association of HE Beriault Catholic Junior High School in Edmonton. He has been featured on Fox, NBC, CBS, and ABC. He was nominated for the Star of Alberta Award in 2021 and for the Alberta Newcomer Champion Award 2022.

Chidi obtained a Master of Arts in International Political Economy from the University of Warwick in England, a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Abia State University in Nigeria, and a Certificate in Disability Studies from Bow Valley College Canada.

Chidi's diverse career as a best-selling author, banker, corporate executive, disability practitioner and community leader has exposed him to many different professions, attitudes, belief systems, and philosophies. He is also a classy Master of Ceremonies who makes turns events into unforgettable experiences. Today, he dedicates his time on public speaking, coaching, and training workshops towards helping individuals and organizations to build resilience for impact.

Oge Igwe

Secretary of the Board

Ogechukwu Stella Igwe nee Olikeze is a Registered Nurse/Midwife from Awka-Etiti in Anambra State. She attended Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Iyi-Enu Hospital Ogidi Anambra State.

Oge worked in Renowned Hospitals like Kanayo Specialist Hospital and Maternity Onitsha and Reddington Multi Specialist Hospital Victoria Island Lagos as Head Nurse before migrating to Canada in 2019.

Oge is currently working in the Pulmonary Unit of Royal Alexandra Hospital Edmonton.

Oge likes swimming, dancing and movies.Oge is married to Ebere Igwe and Blessed with 2 girls Kaima and Kamto Igwe.

Ugochukwu Nwaeme

Member

Ugochukwu Nwaeme obtained his bachelors in Med Lab Sciences from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, and later master’s degree in public health from the Purdue Global University, USA. After working briefly in Nigeria, he was selected to serve as a member of the Nigeria Technical Aid Corp team to Belize, Central America from 2010 to 2012. Ugochukwu was the team B leader of the TAC group in Belize. Following his outstanding performance in Belize, he was absorbed into the Belize workforce. He rose to the rank of a Laboratory Manager of one the largest healthcare institutions in Belize. Ugochukwu moved to Canada in 2015 with his family and has continued to contribute immensely to the Igbo community in Edmonton.

He currently works with the Alberta Health Services. Ugochukwu has served in various committees and boards in the Igbo community including the chairman of the 2021 electoral board. He had played pivotal role in the implementation of various projects in the Edmonton Igbo community including the ICAE website, the Igbo school website, and mentorship platform. Ugochukwu is married to Winnie Nwaeme, and they are blessed with three lovely children. Ugochukwu is a Christian, published author, and community mobilizer.

He shares his passion and commitment for the growth and development of the Edmonton Igbo school.

Josephine Nwaribe

Member

Lolo Chinyere Josephine Nwaribe spent her early years in Owerri Imo State. She attended Owerri girls’ Secondary school, St Mary’s Teachers Training College Aba and was a teacher at Ehere boy’s secondary school Aba. Josephine went further to Federal Polytechnic Mubi for her Higher National Diploma and majored in Business management. She worked at the Lake Insurance company in Owerri. Josephine received many awards for the best marketing representative at the Lake Insurance company, Owerri.

She joined her husband in Brooks Southern Alberta in 1994 before they moved to Edmonton in 1996. She graduated from the McEwan University program as a Rehabilitation practitioner.

Lolo Josephine C. Nwaribe and her family upon moving to Edmonton, became involved with the Nigerian Association of Alberta, and was instrumental to the establishment of the first Igbo Language school in Edmonton.

Lolo Josephine has a keen interest in ensuring that the Igbo Language is not lost in the diaspora, hence her commitment and involvement in the development of the Igbo school curriculum and participation in the board.

Chiamaka Udeogu

Member

Chiamaka Udeogu is an acclaimed Igbo woman who takes pride in speaking the Igbo language and being identified as an Igbo woman where ever she is found. Her unwavering love for the Igbo language started in high school when she learned from her teachers that the Igbo language would be going extinct if we did not deliberately preserve the language. On arriving in Canada, she joined the Igbo Cultural Association of Edmonton (ICAE) because of her love for Igbo language and culture. To contribute to her quota in preserving the Igbo language and culture, she joined the ICAE Choir as a vocalist, Igbo Language School Board where she served as the general secretary for about two years before transitioning into her current role as the ICAE Financial Secretary.

Chiamaka is a Registered Nurse Midwife from Nigeria. Because of her love for education, she proceeded to the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, holding a Bachelor of Nursing Science. Chiamaka is on the Dean’s Honor Roll in the Bridge to Canadian Nursing Program at Mount Royal University Calgary where she is currently studying.

She loves singing, dancing, travelling and outdoor activities like nature walking and observing the beautiful colors of sunrise and sunset. She is married to her lovely husband Mazi Israel and she is a busy mama of four.

Ven. Silas Odimegwu

Member