Pharmacist, Politician, Administrator
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker was a trailblazer as the first qualified pharmacist from the Ogbia community. Her accomplishments had a significant impact on the medical profession in old Rivers State and beyond.
Birth and Early Life
Felecia was born on December 4th, 1949, in Emakalakala, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to Chief Lazarus Igebite Edaba and Mrs. Bogotei Gbalidigha Ige-Edaba.
Education
Her educational journey began at St. Bartholomew CMS School, Emakalakala, in 1953, and she later transferred to St. Michael School, Oloibiri, between 1953 and 1954. In January 1955, she moved to Taylor Memorial School, Port Harcourt, where she excelled and graduated with distinction in her First School Leaving Certificate Exam in 1959.
She then attended Anglican Grammar School, Umuahia-Ibeku, as a pioneer student between January 1960 and December 1964, where she stood out as the most brilliant student in her class.
Felecia went on to Queens School, Enugu, in January 1965 for her Higher School Certificate, where she passed Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and General Paper at Principal level in December 1966. In September 1968, she was admitted to the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, where she studied Pharmacy, graduating with a Second Class honors degree in June 1972.
Her brilliance was well-known, and many parents named their daughters Felecia or Azibaodusi after her, inspired by her success in academics and character.
Employment
Felecia worked briefly as a Science tutor at Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, in 1967. After graduating, she was employed by the Rivers State Government as a Pupil Pharmacist in June 1972 and later deployed to the Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt.
In September 1973, she joined the College of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, as Pharmacist Grade I, where she was in charge of the College Pharmacy until October 1975. In March 1976, she moved to London and worked as a Pharmacy Technician at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, until December 1976.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she served as Pharmacist Grade I at General Hospital, Ahoada, from January 1977 to February 1979, and later as Senior Pharmacist I. In August 1979, she was redeployed to the Government Pharmaceutical Center, Port Harcourt, and subsequently to General Hospital, Port Harcourt, where she was in charge of the pharmacy until June 1981.
In August 1981, due to the growing need for pharmaceutical services in Ogbia communities, she established Vivian Chemist in Emakalakala, which provided much-needed drugs to patients at the local hospital. By December 1985, she had opened another branch in Port Harcourt. She remained Managing Director of both shops until February 1992.
Other Endeavors
From July 1992 to February 1993, she served as Chairman of the Rivers State Parks Garden Committee, appointed by Governor Chief Rufus Ada George. After political activities were suspended in the country, she resumed managing Vivian Pharmacy.
In 1999, recognizing her qualities, the Bayelsa State Government appointed her as a Justice of the Peace (JP), a role through which she contributed to the dispensation of justice in rural areas.
Felecia was also deeply involved in politics, participating actively in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the National Republican Convention (NRC), and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In recognition of her contributions to the PDP, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed her to the Board of Katsina Rolling Mill.
Membership in Organizations
Felecia was a prominent member of several organizations, including:
- The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), where she served as President of the Bayelsa State chapter.
- Soroptimist Women Fraternity.
- Odioma Women Club of Ogbia.
- Itabai Women Club of Emakalakala.
- Ogbia Brotherhood.
- Foundation Member of the PDP.
Extracurricular Activities
While at the University of Ife, Felecia represented Nigeria in various sporting activities in Canada and Rome, winning gold medals and other prizes.
Marital Life
Felecia was married to Chief Moore Walker of Isiokpo Town in Rivers State. Their marriage was blessed with a surviving daughter.
Religion
Felecia was baptized into the Christian faith as an infant. Her maternal grandfather, Chief J. Gbalidigha Oku, a British-trained carpenter and evangelist, founded St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Emakalakala. Felecia remained a devoted Anglican, supporting the church in all activities.
Her Death
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker passed away in 2002 after a long battle with colon cancer, at the age of 53.