Chief Hon Dr. Okechukwu M. Areh was born on the 4th of March, 1951 in Onitsha, Anambra state. He was the first son of Chief Akukalia Izuchukwu Areh and Enyi Chinyelugo Victoria Areh (nee Inoma) and he is blessed with three siblings, a beautiful wife, children and grandchildren. He acquired his first degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York, USA where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Chemistry. Dr Okechukwu received a diploma in Nuclear Pharmaceutics in 1981 from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts and a Doctor of philosophy degree(ph.D) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science University.
Over the years, Chief Areh has utilized his skills by working in several organizations. He has worked as a graduate teaching assistant in Pharmaceutics, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, then later became a Pharmaceuticals Scientist in the Pfeiffer Sciences Laboratory. From 1982- 1984, he worked as a Senior Scientist in the Research and Development Liaison and Formula Evaluation Services of Wyeth Laboratories, Inc USA. He obtained his MSc degree in Industrial Pharmacy in 1980 from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences. He was a lecturer in the department of Industrial Pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1984 through 1985, and left to establish a private limited liability company, United Health & Development Company Nigeria (Unihead). From 1985 till date, he serves as the Chairman for; Keystone Pharmaceuticals Limited, Areh Pharmacy (Nigeria) Limited, SEKOF-TA (Nigeria) Limited. He is also the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Unihead (Nigeria) Limited and the Chief Consultant, Ramada International Limited (Pharmaceutical Division), Onitsha, Anambra State.
POLITICAL LIFE
Chief Areh has served in various capacities. From 1987-1990, he served as a councilor (Zero Party System) Onitsha Local Government Council, Onitsha Anambra State. From 1990-1991, he was the treasurer, Anambra State Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 1991, he was voted to represent the Social Democratic Party as the Governorship aspirant. From 1996- 1997, he served as the Chairman, Anambra State Mobilization Committee Congress Party (UNCP) and much more.
In 1992, he was appointed as a member, Board of Inquiry on the Greater Onitsha Water Scheme, Onitsha, Anambra State. He advanced to becoming the Director, Co-operative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS) from 1998-2000. He was also appointed as the Director, Future Growth Microfinance Bank Ltd.
Chief Areh is a notable member of various associations, some of which include Society of Cosmetic Chemists, USA, People Club of Nigeria, Rho Chi Society, Psi Chapter, Onitsha Ancient Agbaanze Society (Ozo), Onitsha Sports Club and Traditional Ruling Council of Onitsha (EDE OF ONITSHA)
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS;
Asides from his outstanding political career, Chief Areh is also a distinguished writer. He has written and published several books of knowledge such as; “Release of Macromolecular Compounds from Polymeric Matrix- A Sorption Approach” with M. Yang which was presented at the 2nd Annual meeting of the Students’ North East Regional Pharmaceutics Association (SNERPA), Connecticut, USA, June 7, 1982;
“Machanaistics Studies Pertaining to the Mixing and Distribution of Magnesium Stearate: Model System for Mixing of Low Dose Activities” with D.Goldman which was presented before the Industrial Pharmaceutical Technology Section at the 35th National Meeting of the APHA Academy of pharmaceutical Sciences, Miami Beach Florida, USA, November 13-17 1983.
Best Wishes as you celebrate your birthday today Chief Hon Dr. Okechukwu M. Areh. The Onitsha community is very grateful to have you as a role model. We thank you for all your efforts towards the development of the Onitsha community. May your special day be filled with all the good things that you deserve, and may all your wishes come true!
From: InlandTown New Media & Co. Ltd
