NWACHUKWU A. ANAKWENZE, M.D., MPH, MBA
Nigerian Diaspora Professional of the Year
Dr. Nwachukwu A. Anakwenze, M.D., MPH, MBA, stands as one of the most accomplished, visionary, and service-driven Africans of his generation, an illustrious son of Nigeria whose life has been defined by excellence, courage, philanthropy, and an unwavering devotion to humanity. Born on the 28th of August, 1952, in Irrua, Edo State, and proudly rooted in the ancient and noble town of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, Dr. Anakwenze embodies the rare synthesis of medical brilliance, business acumen, cultural stewardship, and fearless leadership.
Raised with a strong moral compass, deep spiritual grounding, and a resilient work ethic, he charted a path of educational and professional distinction that carried him across continents. His formative academic years at Saint Paul’s Catholic Elementary School in Issele-Uku, Delta State, and Saint Patrick College, Emene, Enugu, laid the foundation for a life dedicated to knowledge, service, and excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology (1978) and later his Doctor of Medicine (1982) from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), one of the United States’ premier research institutions. His medical training expanded at Baylor College of Medicine through a rigorous internship program.
Motivated by an unquenchable desire to broaden his impact on public health and global medicine, he pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), completed in June 2005, and further strengthened his strategic and executive vision with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Irvine in 2007. These remarkable academic achievements would later form the backbone of his multidisciplinary approach to leadership, institutional development, and social transformation.
A Distinguished Medical Career Spanning Over Four Decades Dr. Anakwenze is a revered physician with deep experience in navigating, managing, and reforming medical systems within some of the most complex urban landscapes in the world. For over 40 years, he has practiced as a compassionate clinician, a strategic administrator, and a transformative health systems leader in the Greater Los Angeles area; a region renowned for its diversity, intensity, and healthcare demands. He co-founded Victorian Care Medical Group, Inc., a major clinical network serving approximately 10,000 active patients, where he functions as Medical Director and supervising physician to several clinicians.
His leadership in patient care has ensured access to quality medical services for thousands of families across cultures, socio-economic classes, and generations. Even more remarkably, he spearheads Global Care Medical Group IPA, Inc., a formidable healthcare organization managing over 4,000 physician practices spanning multiple specialties across twenty-five hospital regions in Southern California. Serving more than 350,000 members with an annual operational capacity exceeding $150 million, this IPA stands as one of the most significant physician-managed healthcare networks in the region.
Under his Chairmanship and CEO stewardship, the organization has delivered efficient, high-quality, community-oriented healthcare across diverse populations, earning him widespread respect within medical circles in the United States. He has also served as Medical Director for multiple home health agencies and has contributed significantly to immigration-related medical services as a U.S. Civil Surgeon. His broad experience in hospital systems, ambulatory care, community medicine, and healthcare administration underscores his stature as a medical leader of international relevance.
A Visionary Leader, a Nation Builder, and an Architect of Community Empowerment Beyond medicine, Dr. Anakwenze has demonstrated extraordinary leadership across civic, cultural, political, and diasporic platforms. He is recognized as a man of boldness, courage, strategic foresight, and unwavering conviction. Those who have encountered him, whether in community organizations, professional circles, political arenas, or traditional institutions, testify to his fearless pursuit of justice, equity, and societal transformation. Presidential Aspirant and Advocate for National Rebirth in 2022, he offered himself for national service as a Presidential Aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), driven by a profound desire to restore Nigeria’s dignity, unity, and economic strength.
His candidacy was anchored on an unshakeable belief that Nigeria, the world’s largest Black nation, requires a leader of courage, clarity, moral strength, and visionary capacity; qualities he embodies with distinction. His political philosophy is rooted in national healing, institutional integrity, youth empowerment, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities. In him, many Nigerians saw a statesman unswayed by tribalism, corruption, or fear; a leader committed to building a future where justice, security, prosperity, and innovation can flourish. Champion of Humanity: Philanthropist and Social Reformer through the Anakwenze Foundation, Dr. Anakwenze has changed countless lives by supporting widows, orphans, students, and vulnerable families.
His annual scholarship program assists over 100 students, enabling access to education for children across diverse communities. His foundation has also spearheaded multiple medical missions—offering free examinations, medications, and surgeries to some of Nigeria’s poorest citizens. To date, more than 500,000 people have benefited from these humanitarian interventions. His agricultural investments have created employment for over 120 youths, with outputs ranging from fisheries and piggery to water bottling and crop cultivation, showcasing his commitment to economic empowerment, food security, and rural development. Builder of Communities, Institutions, and Cultural Legacies. Dr. Anakwenze is a founding member, leader, and mentor within numerous influential organizations across the Igbo diaspora and the broader African community.
His roles include:-Founding Chairman, Igbo World Assembly (IWA)-Founding Chairman, ASA-World (AW)-National President, ASA-USA (2006–2010)-Vice Chairman, World Igbo Congress-Founding President, Anambra State Association of Southern California-Vice President, Organization of Nigerian Unity (ONU)-Chairman, Centers for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka-Founding Chairman, Nigerian American World Affairs Council-Vice President/Treasurer, Pan-African American Health Care Foundation-Board of Trustees, West African Village Museum, Virginia. His leadership in these organizations has fostered unity, cultural preservation, diaspora mobilization, and global African cooperation.
His ability to bring together diverse peoples, ideologies, and institutions stands as a testament to his reputation as a bridge-builder, diplomat, and unifier. Traditional Leadership and Custodianship of Heritage. In recognition of his integrity, wisdom, philanthropy, and service to humanity, Dr. Anakwenze has been bestowed with several revered chieftaincy titles, including: -Okaomeena Abagana-Omeliigbona Aguleri-IkendiigbonaIdu Eri Kingdom-Ife Ndiigbona Nri Kingdom-Aka Ji Ugo Dunu of Ifite Dunu-Ikemba Nawfiana Nri-Onowu / Regent (Traditional Prime Minister) of Abagana.
These titles reflect his stature as a custodian of tradition, a defender of cultural identity, and a symbol of community leadership across multiple Igbo kingdoms. Celebrated Statesman, Scholar, Mentor, and Global African Icon with numerous awards and commendations from U.S. congressmen, senators, governors, and African institutions, Dr. Anakwenze stands recognized internationally for his impact across medicine, community development, and humanitarian work. His decades of service as a mentor to nursing and medical students across renowned institutions further highlight his dedication to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. He continues to influence national discourse, inspire African diasporic collaboration, and champion programs that elevate marginalized communities.
We will Conclude thus: The life and legacy of Dr. Nwachukwu A. Anakwenze represent the extraordinary potential of service-driven leadership. His contributions have touched medicine, community building, education, agriculture, philanthropy, traditional governance, and national development. He bridges the worlds of science and culture, tradition and modernity, Africa and the global community. He stands today as:-A healer of bodies and societies-A builder of institutions and communities-A guardian of culture and tradition-A fearless voice for justice and national rebirth-A visionary whose work continues to shape lives across continents Dr. Nwachukwu A. Anakwenze is, without question, a global icon, a man molded by service, driven by purpose, and destined for lasting impact. We therefore present to you, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze as the Nigerian Diaspora Professional of the Year 2025.
