Long before he founded a nursing college and a hospital, High Chief Dr Sir Anterus Chikaobi Ezeh was already demonstrating a commitment to service as a Primary Three pupil teaching Catechism to other children in his parish.
Decades later, that spirit of service was recognised in Abuja on Saturday, October 3, 2026, when Ezeh received the Excellent Leadership Award in Health Care and Medical Services at the National Excellent Leadership Awards and Lecture (NELAL 2026).
Born in Akanugu Ada, Obollo Etiti, in the former Anambra State, Ezeh is the youngest of seven children. He lost his father during his early secondary school years but continued his education, studying at Sacred Heart Seminary, Nsude, and St John Cross Seminary, Nsukka.
He later earned a degree in Philosophy from the University of Ibadan and a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome in 2003.
He subsequently obtained a master’s degree in Civil Rights Law from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom.
Building Institutions to Expand Healthcare Access
Ezeh is the founder and proprietor of La Vera College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, an institution established to train nurses to deliver competent, compassionate and ethical care.
He also founded La Vera College Hospital and Diagnostics Ltd, with a focus on expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.
His commitment to care extends beyond Nigeria. In the United Kingdom, his Abbey’s Care Centre provides care and social support to vulnerable people and those in need.
Ezeh’s experience in service also includes caring for older people and individuals facing mental health challenges during his years in Ibadan, Rome and the UK.
These experiences have informed his work across education, healthcare and social support, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of people who require care and assistance.
A Record of Community Service
Beyond his healthcare initiatives, Ezeh has contributed his technical expertise and resources to the construction of a community church in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo Eze South, Enugu State.
He also volunteered as an unpaid secondary school teacher in Oraifite, Anambra State, extending his commitment to service into education.
His contributions have earned him recognition from the Professional Public Speaking and Leadership Academy, Nigeria. He also holds traditional titles in Enugu and Abia states.
Ezeh is married to Dame Rita Ogonna Anterus, a nurse, and they have six children.
Okoye Highlights Character and Communication in Leadership
The NELAL 2026 ceremony also featured a keynote address titled “Vision Beyond Today: Building Leaders, Institutions and Nations for a New Generation,” delivered by Dr Lotanna Okoye, Director-General of the Profession Public Speaking and Leadership Academy (PPSLA Africa).
During the lecture, Okoye unveiled Metamorphoses, a leadership and values-development programme for young people aged 13 and above. The initiative covers 14 areas of development, including character and communication.
On character development, Okoye said young people closely observe the conduct of adults and learn from how leaders respond to success, exercise authority and relate to society.
He challenged leaders to consider whether success made them more responsible or arrogant, and whether they used their positions to serve others or exploit them.
According to him, the next generation is constantly learning from the example set by those currently in leadership, whether or not those adults intend to teach them.
Developing Communication Skills and Values
Okoye also raised questions about who would help young people develop effective communication skills, alongside the mentoring and values needed to prepare them for leadership.
He stressed the importance of deliberately guiding young people, arguing that the development of a generation should not be left to chance.
His message placed responsibility on individuals and institutions to provide the guidance, mentorship and practical support young people need to become effective leaders.
Metamorphoses Targets More Than 5,000 Young People Weekly
Metamorphoses is scheduled to begin on October 17 across 30 locations in Abuja, with a target of reaching more than 5,000 young people weekly. An online component is also planned to extend the programme’s reach beyond its physical locations.
Okoye called on individuals, organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorship, mentorship and strategic partnerships.
The programme’s focus on character, communication and other areas of personal development reflects the central message of the keynote: preparing future leaders requires sustained investment in their values, skills and capacity to serve.
Ezeh’s recognition for his work in healthcare and social support, alongside the call for deliberate leadership development, highlighted the importance of service, institution-building and preparing the next generation to contribute meaningfully to society.
