The department of otorhinolaryngology, university of Abuja has been elected chairman of the international advisory board (IAB) of the American academy of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery foundation (AAOHNSF).
Ibekwe was elected into the position at AAO-HNS meeting held in Nashville Tennessee State, USA recently.
Speaking about he development on Wednesday in Abuja Ibekwe was elated about the height
He said ”this is the first time a black is being elected into the position in the history of the academy.
”The AAOHNS, the world largest gathering of ENT surgeons and related disciplines celebrated the 125th anniversary this year.”
Ibekwe added that serving as the vice chair five years ago, prepared him for the present position which tenure runs from 2024 to 2025.
The don said the benefits of the appointment to Nigeria, Africa and beyond entailed enhancement of research, innovation, training and services of ENT surgeons; including promotion of global health and best practices.
According to him, the seat also seeks to continuously improve on the welfare of Nigeria/other developing member-countries through exchange programs and transfer of technologies.
Ibekwe identified the feat as a great honour and accolade for the country and Africa at large.
“The responsibility involves the coordination of the activities of the 77-member countries (Corresponding Societies) of the AAOHNS including Canada, England, Germany , Taiwan, China, Brazil, Nigeria among others.
“Also, l will be seating at the governing board of the academy as the Spokesperson for these countries within this tenure.
“This is the first time a black is being elected into the position, the closest being my serving as the vice chair five years ago.
”The journey started when I won the maiden ‘humanitarian scholarship award’ of the academy in 2009.
“Secondly, I was inducted into the prestigious Nigerian academy of medicine (FNAMed) class of 2023 having been selected among the 20-finalists, for this purpose on 26th October 2023.
”I cherish this so much because one of the greatest honours is the recognition by ones colleagues at home,” he said.
Ibekwe described his election to serve in the capacity of chairman of the board as a great honour to Uni Abuja , Uni Abuja Teaching Hospital and Nigeria at large.
