24/03/2026
*OKPUZU @ 65*: A THRILLING ADVENTURE OF AN ACCOMPLISHED BUREAUCRAT; DR CHAMBERLAIN OGBONNA NWELE, fcai, THE FORMER HEAD OF SERVICE, EBONYI STATE AND THE FEDERAL COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING ANAMBRA, EBONYI AND ENUGU STATES AT THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
By Eugene Ebenyi
*In the words of POPE JOHN XXIII, a 20th century Catholic Pontiff - "Men are like w**e, some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age."*
This axiomatic expression perfectly describes the person and character of
Dr Chamberlain Ogbonna NWELE, the Ebonyi State former Head of Service and now, Federal Commissioner, representing Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States at the Federal Civil Service Commission.
His honour, Dr Chamberlain Ogbonna Nwele a renown veterinary surgeon was born into the prestigious family of Hon. Chief A. B Nwele, a first republic parliamentarian on 25th of March, 1961 at Iboko, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Like a destiny child, Dr NWELE began his academic pursuit from the Agbaja Central School Nwofe, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate Credit in 1975.
In the same year, his quest for further education took him to Government Secondary School, Afikpo where he further obtained his West African School Certificate Division 1 in 1980.
In 1984, the Promising Chamberlain sought admission and finally enrolled to study Veterinary Medicine at the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and came out with Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1990.
His love for the service of the Nation, made him offer himself to contribute his quota as he proceeded on a one year mandatory National Youth Service, NYSC in far away, Veterinary Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Akure, Ondo State.
Not minding his comfortable background, Chamberlain Ogbonna Nwele opted to continue in service as he accepted to work in the civil service of the then Enugu State Government and subsequently grew in ranks.
- From the position of Volunteer Veterinary officer, Volunteer Service Agency Oghe Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State 1993 to Extension Agent, Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme (ENADEP) between 1993 to 1996.
Following the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996, Dr NWELE became the Chief Livestock officer, Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme (EBADEP) between 1996 and 1997, and later became the Senior Veterinary officer, Vetrinary Investigation centre, Ezzamgbo from 1997 to 1999.
He was the Principal Ebonyi State Veterinary School, Ezzamgbo, between 1999 to 2002, and later emerged the Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary clinic, Abakaliki, between 2002 to 2003.
Other positions that graced his humble beginning among numerous others are;
Consultant, FADAMA 111 Project, Ebonyi State, between, 2011 to 2015.
Member Senior Staff Committee, 2000 to 2009.
*Chairman, Committee on Public Spot sales of fertilizer
*Chairman, Committee on supervision of Songhai beneficiaries
It is worthy of note, that Dr NWELE's growth in his Civil service career ladder to say the least progressed with appreciable translation into a rise in his profile.
For instance, having reached the position of Principal veterinary officer and Deputy Director veterinary service between 2003 to 2007, he became the pivot of his department as he exhibited unequaled and impartial administrative dispositions that took the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to enviable levels.
His leadership qualities blossomed the more as he grew from one position to another:
* Deputy Director in charge of Veterinary clinics & Training - 2007 to 2011
* Director, Veterinary Clinics & Training - 2011 to 2015
* Acting Director/Head of Department of Veterinary Services - 2007
He was also appointed Member, Land Use and Allocation Committee, Ebonyi State in 2017
* Chairman, Ebonyi State Pension Management Board - 2017
* Director at NIGERCEM Board in 2015.
It is on good record that Dr Chamberlain Ogbonna NWELE was the first civil servant in Ebonyi State to be appointed a Permanent Secretary and the State Head of Service the same hour, the same day; laying credence to the fact that he is indeed a child of destiny.
The event which took place at the popular Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre on ist June, 2015, saw family, friends, well wishers as well as government functionaries converging to witness God's work in action.
Having taken the mantle of leadership as the State Head of Service, the State Civil Service began to receive an overhaul touch which culminated into unprecedented productivity and discipline.
His bright performance and positive impacts attracted numerous Awards from notable bodies and organizations. Some of which include;
* Professional Service Award by Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,
* Fellow Institute of Corporate Administration,
* Most Excellent Performer by RATTAWU Ebonyi State, among many others.
On retirement from service, he was appointed, chairman Land Use and Allocation Committee, a position he held between 2021 to 2023
On Friday, October 27, 2023, the appointment of Dr Chamberlain Ogbonna Nwele by the President of the Federal Republic, His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the Federal Commissioner, representing Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States in the Federal Civil Service Commission, was announced.
The appointment was another glorious opportunity from God Almighty for Dr Nwele to continue his service both to Him and Humanity.
Chief Dr Chamberlain Nwele is married to Princess Dr Mrs Anamelechi Nwele, and the Union is blessed with Children.
As the accomplished bureaucrat clocks 65 glorious years, today Wednesday, March 2026 our prayers and best wishes are with him for the very best reasons.
As you celebrate Sir, it is our earnest prayers that God continues to give you the grace to enjoy many more glorious years in wisdom, strength, and good health..
Wishing you a year of new opportunities and thrilling adventures.
Hearty Congratulations, and Happy Birthday!" OKPUZU!
*Cheers to an age of possibilities, Sir..*
