Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh: A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of Enugu North LGA
Born and raised in Enugu, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh is from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu North Local Government Area. He was born into the family of Dr. Harford Ibenaku Onoh and Barr. Mrs. Helen I. Onoh, who instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for community.
Dr. Onoh began his educational journey at Chiazo Nursery and Primary School in Enugu, completing his primary education in 1998. He then graduated from the prestigious Federal Government College, Enugu, in 2004. Seeking to broaden his horizons, he moved to London in 2005 to pursue higher education, earning a Foundation Certificate in Law from Holborn College London. He subsequently attended Brunel University of West London, earning his LLB degree in Law in 2009.
While in London, Dr. Onoh gained valuable experience as an intern at Chase Christopher Roberts Solicitors from 2006 to 2009. In 2010, he furthered his academic journey by earning a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London. His keen interest in global affairs led him to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which he completed in 2011.
After returning to Nigeria in 2011, Dr. Onoh completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and then attended the Nigerian Law School in Abuja, where he earned his BL in 2013.
Dr. Onoh’s legal career in Nigeria took off at the esteemed law firm of Chief Chris Uche SAN in Abuja, where he honed his skills in litigation, corporate law, and high-profile election petition matters. In 2015, he transitioned to the Legal Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, stationed at the Bank’s Headquarters in Abuja. This position provided Dr. Onoh with invaluable insights into the Nigerian economy and public service.
By 2017, Dr. Onoh had decided to depart from the Central Bank to pursue private legal practice, entrepreneurial ventures, and a Ph.D. in law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (Enugu Campus). He co-founded the law firm H I Onoh & Co, assuming the role of Managing Partner. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Onoh also established and co-founded several private companies, specializing in logistics, automobiles and real estate development.
In 2019, Dr. Onoh’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to public service were acknowledged through his election as a Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, representing the Enugu North Constituency. During his tenure, he skillfully chaired the Standing Committee on Lands and Investment and led the Young Parliamentarians Forum. His remarkable leadership in these positions led to the passing of pivotal legislation that advances education and entrepreneurship, recognizing them as essential drivers of development and economic growth for both Enugu North and the state at large.
In 2021, Dr. Onoh achieved a significant milestone by earning a Ph.D. in Corporate Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a focus on corporate governance. This accomplishment further cemented his status as a legal expert. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, Dr. Onoh participated in prestigious leadership seminars, including the Advanced Leadership Program at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge, in 2021, and the Harvard University Professional Development Program on Negotiations in 2022.
In September 2024, Dr. Onoh was decisively elected as the Executive Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Leveraging his extensive background in law, leadership, and governance, Dr. Onoh is now dedicated to spearheading transformative projects and initiatives aimed at ensuring a prosperous future for Enugu North.
Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh is happily married to Mrs. Chizoba Akuabata Onoh, and together they have been blessed with three wonderful children: Adannaya, Munachimso, and Chimaobim Onoh.