By Blessing Nwokpokwu

The former Provost, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT College of Medicine, Prof. Innocent Igwebueze Okafor, is dead.

Prof. Okafor’s death was announced by the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA Enugu State chapter.

In a release signed by the association’s General-Secretary, Dr. Okafor Sunday, it noted that Prof Okafor died on Saturday, December 9, 2023

“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Enugu State led by Dr. Celestine Ugwoke announces with a heavy heart the demise of one of our finest teachers & medical elder; Prof. Innocent Igwebueze Okafor whose sad event occurred this evening, being Sat. 9th of Dec. 2023,” part of the statement read.

Until his transition, late Prof Okafor was the Provost, ESUT College of Medicine and equally had a remarkable clinical and administrative exposures with the College as well as the Teaching Hospital. He was a consummate Obstetrician and a great mentor to many.

“It’s indeed a black day as we are all still left speechless, rudely shocked and devastated by this unfortunate even. The transition of a good forthright man and teacher who gave his all in service to humanity.

“May God to grant his humble soul eternal rest,” the press release concluded.

Late Prof Okafor was a prominent family physician, He ran his own private practice, Phoenix Clinics, for comprehensive medical care and cosmetic and laser therapy. He was considered an expert in family medical care and holds his Certification in the College of Family Physicians (CCFP).

He focused on enhancing the individual’s sense of health and well-being emphasis on preventive health care using current guideline standards. With Phoenix Clinics wellness services, late Okafor fostered a continuity of rejuvenation and wellness by providing individual and group fitness, boot camps, certification classes, and professionally conducted exercise courses, along with cosmetic and laser therapy treatments, including microdermabrasion, cellulite reduction, laser hair removal, massage therapy, and anti-aging and stress treatments, among others. he is also a hospitalist with the Brampton Civic Hospital

Late Prof (Dr) Innocent Okafor graduated from the prestigious Western African College of Medicine at the University of Benin, where he received his Medical Degree in 1990.

He was Founder and President of the nonprofit organization African Crusade of Health and Environment, and served as a general practitioner in Nigeria where, while completing his internship in general practice, he worked with an array of medical institutions in West Africa.

In 2000, after nearly a decade practicing medicine in Nigeria, late Prof Okafor relocated to Canada, where he strengthened his international medical expertise by completing his residency with Memorial University of New Foundland and received his certification as a family physician (CCFP).