Pharmacist, Politician, and Administrator
Opening Summary
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker was a pioneering pharmacist, administrator, and political figure whose achievements left a lasting impact on the medical profession in old Rivers State and the Niger Delta. As the first qualified pharmacist from the Ogbia community, she broke barriers in healthcare and public service. Her professional excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community development made her one of the most respected women of her generation.
Early Life and Education
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker was born on December 4, 1949, in Emakalakala, Ogbia Local Government Area of present-day Bayelsa State, Nigeria. She was born to Chief Lazarus Igebite Edaba and Mrs. Bogotei Gbalidigha Ige-Edaba, a family known for its strong values and commitment to education.
Her educational journey began in 1953 at St. Bartholomew CMS School, Emakalakala, after which she transferred to St. Michael’s School, Oloibiri, where she studied between 1953 and 1954. In January 1955, she moved to Taylor Memorial School, Port Harcourt, where she demonstrated exceptional academic ability and graduated with distinction in the First School Leaving Certificate Examination in 1959.
Felecia continued her secondary education at Anglican Grammar School, Umuahia-Ibeku, where she was among the pioneer students between January 1960 and December 1964. During her time there, she distinguished herself as one of the most brilliant students in her class.
In pursuit of higher academic excellence, she proceeded to Queen’s School, Enugu, in January 1965, where she undertook the Higher School Certificate programme. She passed Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and General Paper at the Principal level in December 1966, demonstrating exceptional competence in the sciences.
Her academic brilliance earned her admission into the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, in September 1968, where she studied Pharmacy. She graduated in June 1972 with a Second Class Honours degree, becoming the first qualified pharmacist from the Ogbia community.
Her intellectual achievements inspired many within her community, and it became common for parents to name their daughters Felecia or Azibaodusi in admiration of her academic excellence and character.
Career and Professional Achievements
Before completing her university studies, Felecia briefly served as a Science tutor at Mater Dei High School, Imiringi, in 1967, where she demonstrated her passion for teaching and knowledge sharing.
Upon graduating in 1972, she joined the Rivers State Government as a Pupil Pharmacist, and was later deployed to the Ministry of Health, Port Harcourt.
In September 1973, she was appointed Pharmacist Grade I at the College of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt (now Rivers State University), where she was responsible for managing the College Pharmacy until October 1975.
Seeking international professional exposure, she relocated to London in March 1976, where she worked as a Pharmacy Technician at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, until December 1976.
Upon her return to Nigeria, she resumed her service in the healthcare sector as Pharmacist Grade I at the General Hospital, Ahoada, from January 1977 to February 1979, eventually rising to the position of Senior Pharmacist I.
In August 1979, she was transferred to the Government Pharmaceutical Centre, Port Harcourt, and later redeployed to the General Hospital, Port Harcourt, where she served as the Pharmacist-in-Charge until June 1981.
Recognizing the urgent need for accessible pharmaceutical services in rural communities, Felecia established Vivian Chemist in Emakalakala in August 1981, providing essential medicines to patients in the community and surrounding areas.
Her entrepreneurial success led to the establishment of a second branch in Port Harcourt in December 1985, and she remained the Managing Director of both pharmacies until February 1992.
Public Service and Political Engagement
Felecia’s dedication to public service extended beyond the healthcare sector. From July 1992 to February 1993, she served as Chairman of the Rivers State Parks and Garden Committee, an appointment made by the then Governor, Chief Rufus Ada George.
Following the suspension of political activities in the country at that time, she returned to managing her pharmaceutical businesses.
With the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, her reputation as a respected professional and community leader continued to grow.
In 1999, the Bayelsa State Government appointed her as a Justice of the Peace (JP), recognizing her integrity and commitment to community justice, especially in rural areas.
She was also deeply involved in Nigerian politics and participated actively in several political parties, including:
- National Party of Nigeria (NPN)
- National Republican Convention (NRC)
- People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
In recognition of her contributions to the People’s Democratic Party, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed her to the Board of the Katsina Rolling Mill.
Professional and Social Associations
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker was an active member of several professional and social organizations, including:
- 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
She was also a foundation member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Extracurricular Achievements
Beyond her academic and professional life, Felecia was also an accomplished sports enthusiast. While studying at the University of Ife, she represented Nigeria in various sporting competitions in Canada and Rome, where she won gold medals and other prizes, further showcasing her excellence in multiple fields.
Personal Life
Felecia was married to Chief Moore Walker of Isiokpo Town in Rivers State, and their marriage was blessed with a surviving daughter.
She was widely admired for her intelligence, leadership, humility, and dedication to community development.
Faith and Religious Commitment
Felecia was a devoted member of the Anglican Church. She was baptized into the Christian faith as an infant and maintained a strong spiritual commitment throughout her life.
Her maternal grandfather, Chief J. Gbalidigha Oku, a British-trained carpenter and evangelist, founded St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Emakalakala, a church that remained central to the spiritual life of the community.
Felecia supported the church actively and remained deeply involved in its activities.
Death and Legacy
Felecia Azibaodusi Belemo Walker passed away in 2002 at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer.
Her life remains a powerful testimony of academic excellence, professional dedication, community leadership, and pioneering achievement.
As the first pharmacist from Ogbia, she paved the way for many others in the medical profession and remains a source of inspiration for generations of young women in Bayelsa State and beyond.
