SIR FERDINAND IKECHUKWU ANIKWE

Sir Anikwe Ferdinand Ikechukwu was born on the 15^th of February, 1957 at Ihuonyia, Amansiodo Oghe, Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State, Nigeria.  He had his primary education at Community Primary School, Ihuoya, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State between 1964 – 1972. His Elementary Education was stopped by the Nigerian Civil War which began in 1967. However, he completed it in 1972 after cessation of hostilities.

His educational progression continued in 1973 with his admission into Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary School, Orlu, Imo State. He finished his post-primary education in 1977.  

Between 1981 and 1985, Sir Anikwe attended the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, River State where he bagged his first degree: Bachelor of Science in Political Science Education.

In 1995, he earned a Master degree in Public Administration in Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu State. He also studied and received another master in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies from the National Open University of Nigeria in 2011.

His Doctoral Research in Public Administration at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State is near completion. 

Sir Ferdinand Anikwe began his career in the public service as a Field Assistant, Federal Office of Statistics, Research and Publicity between 1977 and 1981 when he gained admission into University of Port Harcourt.  Among other work experience he acquired, Sir Anikwe was:

·        a School Teacher at Baptist Secondary School, Port Harcourt as Youth Corper in 1986 – 1987,

·        the President and Founder of Enugu New Breed Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd. in 1987.

·        Primarily, as result of trust reposed in him and exemplary leadership,elected as Ezaeagu Local Government Chairman, in Enugu State. He served between 1988 and 1989.

·        General Manager, Newsman Newspapers 1990 – 1992.

·        Member, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Board 1992 – 1993.

·        Director-General, Ministry of Information and Culture, Enugu State – 1993 – 1994

·        Sole Administrator/General Manager, Enugu State Council for Art and Culture – 1994 – 2005

·        Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism – 2005 – 2011.

·        Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Chieftaincy, Enugu State,

2012 – 2014.

At a time accountability was missing in public life, as the chairman of Ezeagu local government council in Enugu State, he showed exemplary prudence in management of funds. He constructed a 10 kilometer road from Akama – Oghe to Aguobu Owa in Enugu State with N720,000 grant by the Federal Government.

As a prolific manager of culture and heritage, Sir Anikwe organized, nurtured and directed the Enugu State Cultural Troupe.

He presented the most spectacular masquerade at the National Cultural Festival at Abuja in 2004.

The Association of Enugu State Development Unions in recognition of Sir Ferdinand Anikwe’s enviable strides and achievements awarded him the Most Outstanding Civil Servant of the Year in 2014.

He also received the Special Recognition Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for his industry and outstanding contributions which has impacted positively on Nigeria’s Reputation.  

The Oghe Social Development Association (Women’s Wing) Abuja, also gave him a special recognition in appreciation of his total commitment to human Development, November 2014.

Barely, three months into his appointment, he successfully organized in November 2014 the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization International Cultural Festival/Colloquium, a mini FESTAC that for the first time brought together stars of the Nigerian Nollywood Film industry.

Sir Anikwe, an ebullient personality and workaholic, with strong administrative capability and experience in heritage and culture management has been entrusted by his recent appointment as the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Tourism Culture and National Orientation with promoting interest in the understanding and appreciation of African Arts, Culture and Civilization.

His acumen is not restricted to public administration alone, his natural endowment and multi-talents extend into publishing. He has to his credit publications that continue to shape understanding and appreciation of African culture and defines Nigeria’s path to growth and development. He is the Editor,

-      Okenga Magazine between 1995 – 1996

-      Quotable Quotes of Nnamdi Azikiwe, 1996

-      Monumental Art Expression as Root to Nigeria Independence, 2009.

-      The role of Enugu to Independence of Nigeria, 2010.

-      The Church and the New Yam Festival, 2012. And last but not the least; the Royalty Magazine Series.

Sir Ferdinand Anikwe is happily married with children to Lady Dr. Rose Anikwe.