Mrs Veronica Ogochukwu Ezeh is a seasoned Nigerian mental health nursing professional, an addiction-recovery practitioner, researcher and advocate. She is the founder of Adicare Rehabilitation Home, an organisation established in memory of her late son, Adikachukwu.

Veronica Ezeh’s work stands as a testimonial that she  is a uniquely resourceful woman who is profoundly impacting healthcare in Nigeria. She has her roots in Imo State and has been married to Mr. Emmanuel Ahamefule Ezeh for 25 years. The marriage is blessed with two children.

Mrs. Ezeh commenced her nursing career in 1992, following her training at the School of Nursing, Bida, Niger State where she obtained her nursing qualification. She subsequently pursued professional training in Midwifery (RM) and specialised in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing at the prestigious School of Psychiatric Nursing, Aro, Abeokuta. There she obtained her qualification as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN).

Following her psychiatric nursing training, she joined the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s foremost mental health institutions, where she has built an extensive career in psychiatric and mental health nursing. She currently serves as a Deputy Director of Nursing at the hospital.

Driven by a commitment to continuous professional development, Mrs. Ezeh obtained her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Nursing from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), followed by a Master’s degree in Nursing from ESPAM University, Cotonou, and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She also holds a Diploma in Counselling and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). She is a Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPCNM) and a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP).

Her professional development has been particularly focused on mental health, substance-use disorders, rehabilitation, addiction treatment, recovery, counselling, and psychosocial support. She has undertaken professional exposure and training in several countries to broaden her knowledge and expertise in addiction treatment and recovery.

In 2019, Mrs. Ezeh founded Adicare Rehabilitation Home, in memory of her late son, Adikachukwu. The organisation initially focused on substance-use prevention, advocacy, public education, and community support. In collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Adicare participated in substance-use awareness and advocacy programmes involving senior secondary schools within Education District V in 2020, before activities were disrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown.

Beyond advocacy, Adicare has provided support to vulnerable and indigent individuals affected by substance-use and mental health challenges, including food, accommodation, medications, and other essential daily needs.

In 2021, the rehabilitation arm of Adicare was formally registered, marking a significant expansion of its work in substance-use treatment and recovery. Since its establishment, the rehabilitation programme has supported and graduated up to 850 clients/patients, reflecting Mrs. Ezeh’s sustained commitment to helping individuals overcome substance-use disorders and reintegrate into society.

Mrs. Ezeh’s professional journey reflects a strong commitment to mental health nursing, addiction treatment, rehabilitation, research, advocacy, education, and humanitarian service. Her academic and professional development has been directed toward equipping her for greater leadership and service in the fields of mental health and substance-use recovery.

Through her roles as a mental health nurse, nurse leader, researcher, addiction-recovery practitioner, advocate, and founder of Adicare Rehabilitation Home, she continues to contribute to the advancement of mental health care and substance-use rehabilitation in Nigeria and beyond.

It is in recognition of her Sterling Accomplishments in Psychiatric Nursing, Mental Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services in Nigeria that Mrs. Veronica Ogochukwu Ezeh is deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.