Nigerian Leading Celebrity
OpenLife Nigeria reports that Stephanie Okereke Linus Idahosa has set a new record by joining the ranks of Nobel Laureates as the first black recipient of the esteemed Lennox K. Black Prize for Excellence in Medicine.
In unprecedented recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work, the a Nigerian actress, film director and model, has been honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University.
This remarkable achievement highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards including that of Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and contribution to health and medicine globally.
Stephanie Linus, renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence, has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. Her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good:
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls out there who are fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work.
“It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa.”
Expressing her joy, the actress wrote on a Facebook wall:
Good morning Lovelies,
I am beyond humbled and exhilarated to announce that I have been awarded the prestigious Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University.
This honour is not only a recognition of my journey but a celebration of our collective efforts in activism and making a tangible social impact.
It’s a reminder that together, we can confront challenges, spark significant changes, and heal communities.
This award belongs to each of you who has supported, believed, and walked this path with me.
Let’s continue to use our voices and actions to improve society. A heartfelt thank you to Thomas Jefferson University
Born as Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke on October 2, 1982 in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, the sixth child of Mary and Chima Okereke’s eight children completed her primary & secondary education in Delta State.
She studied at the University of Calabar, in Cross River State, where she graduated with a degree in English and Literary Studies.
While she was still a teenager in the year 1997, she starred in two Nollywood movies; Compromise 2 and Waterloo. During the 2002 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant, Okereke reached 3rd place.
A year later in 2003, Okereke won two awards, out of the eight nominations she received, at the 2003 Reel Awards for ‘Best Actress – English’ and ‘Best Actress of the year 2003’.
After graduating from the New York Film Academy in 2007, Okereke released the movie Through the Glass in which she served as director, scriptwriter, producer and actress.
The film received an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay in 2009.
In 2014, she released another movie, Dry and again served as a director, scriptwriter, producer, and actress which won many awards including 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards and 2016 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards best movie overall movie with the prize of a brand new car. Okereke has starred in over 90 movies.
In April 2005, on her way to the Africa Movie Academy Awards held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Okereke was involved in a serious car accident that left her with burns all over and a broken leg.
The film director and model has received several awards and nominations for her work as an actress, including the 2003 Reel Award for Best Actress, the 2006 Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress, and three nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2005, 2009 and 2010.
She was also the runner up for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant of 2002.
In 2011, she was honoured by the Nigerian government with a national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR.
In April 2012 Okereke married Linus Idahosa in Paris, France, at a private wedding ceremony that was attended by members of her family and scores of Nollywood actresses and actors.
Their first son Maxwell Enosata Linus was born in October 2015. They welcomed their second son in May, 2022, seven years after their first son.
In March 2021, as part of her campaign against gender-based violence on the female folk, the actress released two short movies (which she produced) titled The Student and Bad Police.
About Author
