Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has felicitated Dr Njide Okonjo-Udochi on her emergence as first black female Physician-of-the-Year in the United States of America.
Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udochi is the sister of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO).
The award was bestowed on Mrs. Okonjo-Udochi by The Maryland Academy of Family Physicians (MDAFP).
These two prominent Nigerian sisters have held the world spell-bound in their chosen careers.
In a statement by Okowa’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor said Deltans and Nigerians were proud of the outstanding accomplishments of the Okonjo family of Ogwashi-Uku in the state.
Okowa who is also a medical doctor said after the recent humble elevation of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, it was pleasing to hear that Okonjo-Udochi had also emerged Family Physician-of-the-Year 2021 in Maryland, United States, the first black woman to be so honoured with the prestigious award.
“While we are still celebrating the news of the appointment of your sister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), we are pleased to hear that you have been bestowed with the prestigious award as Physician-of-the-Year in the United States of America.
“As Deltans and Nigerians, we are indeed very proud of the outstanding accomplishments recorded by you.
“You are a distinguished achiever and great role model for the girl-child. “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, an illustrious daughter of our state, Dr Njide Okonjo-Udochi, on your noble recognition in medical practice in a distant United States of America.
“Your contributions to medical practice and care for COVID-19 patients are world-class and no doubt, earned you this coveted award. “It is my prayer that God will guide and protect you as you continue to provide healthcare for the sick,” Okowa stated.
Also, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has congratulated her sister on Twitter, writing: “Congratulations Dr Njideka Udochi, Maryland’s Family Physician Of The Year. Thank you for your care of COVID-19 patients and for saving so many lives. Proud of you my sister.”
Another member of Okonjo family, founder and CEO of Giant Beverages, Onyema Okonjo also congratulated Dr Udochi, writing: “Congratulations to both of my older sisters (Ngozi Okonjo Iweala & Njide Udochi).
“And congratulations to my parents. My eldest sister for her success with the WTO and my second sister for being selected as the best family practice doctor in Maryland, USA.
“My parents set the stage with their strong support for women. My mother has been a very passionate women’s rights advocate and even as a retired Professor of Sociology in her 90’s, she still cares about women’s rights, equal rights, and equal access for women. May God bless both of you and may both of you continue to reach greater heights.”
Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udochi, founded Millennial Family Care in 2003. She was announced Baltimore Magazine Top Doctor in 2019.
She is recognized as a top primary care doctor in Maryland and beyond and is featured as a medical expert on doctors’ interviews on CNN, FOX News, CNBC, and more.
