Sylvan Ebigwei

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Sylvan Ebigwei
Sylvanus Olisanye Ebigwei
Born(1943-01-08)8 January 1943
Jos, Plateau State
Died3 November 2023(2023-11-03) (aged 80)
NationalityNigerian
Alma materUniversity of Lagos Medical School at Idi-Araba, National Post Graduate Medical College, Ijaniki
OccupationMedical doctor & Dental surgeon.
Years active1978-2023
Spouse(s)Evelyn Oba, Married 1976 (Died December 2022)

Sylvan Ebigwei (8 January 1943 – 3 November 2023) was a Nigerian medical doctor and dental surgeon.[1][2]

Ebigwei was also known as "Mr. Chess" because of his role in the development of the Chess sport in Nigeria and across Africa.[2] He was involved in the formation of the Nigerian Chess Federation and was a founding member of the African Chess Federation.[2]

Early life and education

Ebigwei was born in Jos, Plateau State. Tragically, he lost his mother when he was only eight months old, prompting his father to relocate with him to Okpanam, Delta State. There, he commenced his education at Saint Michael's Catholic School. He later went to Saint Patrick's College, Asaba, in 1960, where he undertook his West African School Certification Examination (WAEC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC).[2]

In 1969, Ebigwei gained admission to the University of Lagos Medical School at Idi-Araba, where he embarked on his medical studies, culminating in his graduation in 1974.[3] Following this, he pursued post-graduate training in General Dental Practice at the National Post Graduate Medical College, Ijaniki, obtaining his fellowship.[2]

Career

Medical

During his medical training, Ebigwei met Evelyn Oba, whom he later married. Together, they raised four children and established a dental practice named EVOLIS, a combination of both their names.[2] Ebigwei acquired expertise in Dental Implantology, Crown & Bridge Prosthesis from the University of Florida and the Academy of General Dentistry, Orlando.[2]

Ebigwei was a member of Nigeria Dental Association, the Guild of Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.[3]

Chess sport

Ebigwei's passion for the Chess game led to his significant contributions to the growth and popularization of chess in Nigeria and across Africa.[4]

In 1975, Ebigwei, alongside Grand Master Raymond King (OBE) of England, spearheaded the formation of the Nigerian Chess Federation, with Ebigwei assuming the role of the first organizing secretary and Pius Okigbo as president.[5]

Ebigwei served as the inaugural chairman of the Nigerian Chess Association (NCF) and subsequently ascended to the presidency of the Nigerian Chess Federation in 1977.[4] He initiated the establishment of the Commonwealth Chess Association.[4] During the World Chess Congress in Buenos Aires in 1978, he advocated for the admission of Libya into the World Chess Federation.[2]

Politics

Ebigwei was instrumental in the establishment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Nigeria.[4] Additionally, he once served as the Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo socio-cultural organization in Nigeria.[6][7][8] Similarly, he held leadership positions in Aka Ikenga, Lagos, an Igbo think-tank, serving as president and later rising to the position of Vice President General.[9]

He was also adorned with the esteemed position of Iyase (Prime Minister) in his hometown.[3]

Awards

  • 2023 - "Nigerian Patriotic Award" by the Ambassadors for Peace and Enlightenment Foundation, (AMPEF), a human rights organization.[10]

Death

Dr Ebigwei's life journey came to a close on 3 November 2023. He is survived by his children Chichi Spruel, Sylvia Oba, Awele Omeda and Joshua Ebigwei.[3]

References

  1. ^ "Boko Haram: Igbos should develop their homeland, says Aka Ikenga". thisdaylive.com. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "PUNCH, eight others inducted into NCF Hall of Fame". cosmopolitan.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Family postpones funeral of former Ohanaeze chieftain, Ebigwei". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Tony Nwankwo,"Atiku played northern card, Tinubu built a tribe of politicians but Peter Obi will be President — Ebigwei, ex-Ohanaeze leader". vanguardngr.com. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  5. ^ "PUNCH, eight others inducted into NCF Hall of Fame". vanguardngr.com. 3 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  6. ^ "No responsible Igbo wants Presidency now – Ebigwei, Ohanaeze leader". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  7. ^ Shola Oyeyipo,"Afenifere Ohanaeze in Historic Parley". thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Any wrong decision taken on presidential election by judiciary may spell doom – Dr Sylvan Ebigwei, President General emeritus, Aka Ikenga". sunnewsonline.com. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  9. ^ "President Emeritus of Aka Ikenga mocks Ekweremadu". newsheadlines.com.ng. 25 August 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  10. ^ "AMPEF Honours Chief (Dr.) Sylvan Ebigwei With "Nigerian Patriotic Award" For His Contributions To the Development Of Chess In Nigeria". theclavermagazine.com.ng. 13 October 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
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