By Ruth Dabo
In a professional landscape where women often have to push harder to be seen and heard, Mrs. Ezeh has risen through the ranks with grace, tenacity, and unshakable purpose.
Her story is not just one of personal achievement, but of groundbreaking contributions to public health, food safety, and the professional development of food science in Nigeria.
As she marks another year of life and leadership, we take a moment to honor a woman whose journey continues to inspire across generations and industries.
FROM PRIVATE SECTOR ROOTS TO PUBLIC SECTOR EXCELLENCE
Mrs. Ezeh began her career in the private sector, joining Pfizer Inc. (Livestock Feeds Limited) as a Production Superintendent shortly after completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Her early exposure to industrial operations laid a solid foundation for the excellence that would later define her public sector career.In 2004, she transitioned to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), where she served as an Assistant Chief Scientific Officer. With an insatiable desire to contribute to national development, she moved to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in 2010. There, she served as Chief Regulatory Officer before being promoted to Deputy Director in 2012.
Her visionary leadership came into full view in 2015 when she was appointed the pioneer Head of NAFDAC’s newly created Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate. In this role, she led the National Food Safety Management Committee, taking on the formidable task of coordinating food safety efforts across Nigeria particularly at a time when the country lacked a robust legal framework to guide food business operations.
Her work was critical in addressing growing concerns around public health, nutrition, and food quality nationwide.
TECHNICAL EXPERTISE WITH A GLOBAL REACH
An accomplished Lead Auditor, Mrs. Ezeh has carried out more than 50 food industry inspections both in Nigeria and internationally. Her expertise in Codex Alimentarius standards has earned her a respected seat at global Codex Committee meetings, where she has proudly represented Nigeria’s interests.
Also, her qualifications go far beyond titles she is a seasoned expert in Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), with over 35 national and international training certifications covering food regulation, safety systems, administration, and management.
Her depth of knowledge continues to influence food regulatory practices and policy across various sectors in Nigeria.
She is proud and dedicated member of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), as Mrs. Ezeh has served the institute in numerous leadership roles. From her early role as Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee in 2007, to her tenure as Vice-Chairman and ultimately Chairman of the FCT Chapter in 2018, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of food science.
She was instrumental as a member of the NIFST Task Force that advocated for the passage of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology Bill. This legislative victory, signed into law in 2019 after its successful passage through the National Assembly, marked a watershed moment for food professionals in Nigeria enshrining their roles and standards in law for the first time.
Beyond her impressive résumé and professional accolades, Mrs. Ezeh is a woman of deep personal strength and grace. She is happily married and blessed with a loving family that stands as both her anchor and motivation.
As she celebrates her birthday, the occasion is more than just a personal milestone, it is a celebration of a legacy still in motion.
Her journey reminds us that with resilience, vision, and integrity, it is possible not only to rise but to lead, transform, and inspire.
Similarly, her story lights the path for young professionals, especially women, to dream bigger, push boundaries, and believe in the power of purpose.
In honoring Mrs. Ezeh today, NEWSFLOWNAIJA.COM salute a life defined by service, uplifted by excellence, and powered by the unwavering belief that one woman can indeed make a difference.
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