By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)
Husband of Prof Chinyere Okunna, brother of postgraduate studies provost; founded RISTELA Hospital and Maternity.
The academic and medical communities in the South-East zone was thrown into deep mourning on Thursday, October 8, following the death of Dr Nwabuisi Eric Okunna, a respected medical practitioner and founder of RISTELA Hospital and Maternity, Enugu.
Dr Okunna, who was the husband of Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, according to an announcement by the university.
His death has left a painful void in his family and among those who knew him through his medical practice and his wife's distinguished career in academia and public service.
In a condolence statement titled “Another Sad News — We Lost a Father and Pillar,” the management of Paul University described the deceased as a renowned medical practitioner, a father figure and a dependable source of support to his wife.
Dr Eric Okunna (middle) and his wife, Professor Stella Chinyere Okunna (left).
The statement was signed by the institution's Public Relations Officer, Rev. Godsplan Onukwufor. The university said Dr Okunna was the cherished husband of his wife's youth, with whom she had looked forward to growing old in love and grace.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Ven. Professor Obiora Nwosu, conveyed the institution's condolences on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students.
The university extended its sympathies to Professor Chinyere Okunna, their children, the entire Okunna family and Professor Emma Okunna, Provost of the university's College of Postgraduate Studies and brother of the deceased.
The statement prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family, grant them the strength to endure the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.
The late Dr Eric Okunna is a brother-in-law
to African foremost literary icon and award-winning celebrated novelist and organic academic, Professor Theodora Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.
A Medical Career Devoted to Healthcare
The late Dr Okunna has had a medical career devoted to healthcare. Dr Okunna's most prominent publicly documented professional role was as the founder and Medical Director of RISTELA Hospital and Maternity in Enugu.
He was a medical practitioner specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, a field concerned with women's reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions. His establishment of a hospital and maternity facility in Enugu placed him within the private healthcare sector, which plays an important role in extending access to medical services beyond government-owned hospitals.
The Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture lists RISTELA Hospital and Maternity among its members under healthcare and medical services delivery, identifying Dr Eric Okunna as its managing director.
The facility is listed at RISTELA Close, off Presidential Road, Independence Layout, Enugu. His leadership of the hospital represents the principal professional legacy associated with his name.
Dr Eric comes from a reputable family linked to Medicine and Academia. Beyond his medical career, he was closely connected to a family with a strong presence in Nigeria's academic and professional circles.
His wife, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, a fellow of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) is a distinguished scholar of mass communication and Nigeria's first Professor of Mass Communication, whose career spans university teaching, research, academic administration and public service.
She is widely recognised as a pioneer in Nigerian communication scholarship and has held several academic and administrative positions at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, before her service at Paul University.
Professor Chinyere Okunna has also served in the Anambra State Government, including as Commissioner for Information and Culture and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi.
The couple reportedly had six children who pursued careers in different professional fields.
Dr Okunna was also the brother of Professor Emma Okunna, who serves as Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies at Paul University.
His death therefore represents a personal loss to a family whose members have made contributions in medicine, education and public service. A Painful Loss for Paul University and to the family's numerous friends, colleagues and associates who are currently in mourning.
The announcement has also drawn attention to a difficult period for the Paul University community. In its statement, the university noted that Dr Okunna's death came shortly after the death of the husband of its Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Nkechi Ikediugwu.
Describing the two losses as deeply painful, the institution expressed solidarity with its bereaved senior officials and their families.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nwosu, said the university community stood with Professor Chinyere Okunna, her children and the entire Okunna family in their moment of grief. The institution's message also acknowledged the important personal support spouses provide to academics and university administrators, whose professional responsibilities can place considerable demands on family life.
For Professor Chinyere Okunna, the death is the loss of a life partner with whom she had shared years of marriage, family responsibilities and professional milestones.
Dr Eric Okunna's burial arrangement is still being awaited. While the announcement has prompted expressions of sympathy from the university community, details concerning Dr Okunna's burial had not reached this newspaper at the time of this report. But Paul University said the arrangements would be announced by the family in due course.
The institution concluded its message with prayers for divine comfort, strength and fortitude for the bereaved family, asking God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
As the family mourns, Dr Okunna is being remembered for his medical profession, his role in establishing RISTELA Hospital and Maternity in Enugu, and the support he provided to his wife throughout her academic and public-service career.
For the Okunna family, his passing marks the end of a personal journey shared over many years. And for those who knew him through his professional work, it is an occasion to reflect on the contribution the renowned medical practitioner made in towards the promotion and sustenance of healthcare in the country. NNL.
