Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh: A Visionary Leader Shaping the Future of Enugu North LGA
Born and raised in Enugu, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh hails from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu North Local Government Area. He is the son of the esteemed 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 his community. From an early age, Dr. Onoh was determined to make a lasting impact on Enugu North and beyond.
His educational journey began at Chiazo Nursery and Primary School, Enugu, where he completed his primary education in 1998. Dr. Onoh then went on to graduate from the prestigious Federal Government College Enugu in 2004. With an eagerness to expand his horizons, he moved to London in 2005 to pursue higher education, enrolling at Holborn College London where he earned a Foundation Certificate in Law. He later attended Brunel University of West London, graduating in 2009 with an LLB degree in Law.
During his time in London, Dr. Onoh gained invaluable experience working as an intern at Chase Christopher Roberts Solicitors from 2006 to 2009. In 2010, he further advanced his academic qualifications by earning a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Driven by a keen interest in global affairs, he also pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which he completed in 2011.
Upon returning to Nigeria in 2012, Dr. Onoh completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program before attending the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, where he graduated in 2013 with a BL.
Dr. Onoh’s legal career began at the renowned law firm of Chief Chris Uche SAN, Abuja, where he gained hands-on experience in litigation, corporate law, and high-profile election petition matters. In 2015, he joined the Central Bank of Nigeria in the Legal Department, offering him a unique perspective on the workings of the Nigerian economy and public service. However, in 2017, Dr. Onoh made the bold decision to resign from the Central Bank and focus on his own entrepreneurial pursuits. He co-founded the law firm H I Onoh & Co in 2016, eventually becoming the Managing Partner. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to establish and co-found multiple private companies, specializing in transportation, logistics, and real estate development.
Dr. Onoh’s leadership capabilities and commitment to service were recognized in 2019 when he was elected as a Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, representing Enugu North Constituency. During his tenure, he chaired the Enugu State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Lands and Investment and served as the Chairman of the Young Parliamentarians Forum. His leadership in these roles helped foster legislation that promoted development and economic progress for Enugu North and the state at large.
In 2021, Dr. Onoh completed his Ph.D. in Corporate Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, specializing in corporate governance, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in legal matters. His commitment to lifelong learning is exemplified by his participation in leadership seminars, including the Advanced Leadership Program at the Moller Institute, University of Cambridge in 2021 and the Harvard Professional Development Program on Negotiations in 2022.
In September 2024, Dr. Onoh was overwhelmingly elected as the Executive Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With his extensive experience in law, leadership, and governance, Dr. Onoh is now focused on driving impactful projects and initiatives that will continue to propel Enugu North into a prosperous future.
A man of vision and purpose, Dr. Ibenaku Harford Onoh is happily married and blessed with three children, who are his source of inspiration and joy.