About Dr. Akpulonu ​

Dr. Akpulonu, Alozie Lawson was born in the Ntighauzo Amairi Ancient Community of the Agalaba Clan in Obingwa, Abia State. His early education took place at Qua Iboe Mission School and Ngwa High School, followed by a brief period teaching and working in the Produce Inspection Division in Port Harcourt.

Arrival in America and Early Activism
In December 1963, he arrived at New York’s Kennedy International Airport during a harsh winter with only sixty dollars. After paying a taxi driver seven dollars to take him to the YMCA, he was left with fifty-three dollars, no contacts, and no way to reach his admitted university in Ohio

When his circumstances improved, he enrolled at the City University of New York and became the National Secretary of the Pan African Students Union in the Americas (PASUA). In this role, he sat alongside and was influenced by major African leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, and Nnamdi Azikiwe during their visits to the United Nations.

Professional and Humanitarian Career in the U.S.
Dr. Akpulonu spent 32 years in the United States, where he became a world-renowned virologist and medical doctor
His accomplishments during this time include:
Medical Practice: He owned and operated seven medical clinics in Los Angeles County for twenty-two years

Scientific Research: He was a pioneer in unraveling the epidemiology of HIV when it first appeared in the late 1970s.

Civil Rights: He used his Transnational Record Company to produce the album “Apartheid” to protest racial discrimination and his media outlets, International Voice Newspaper and The Exclusive Magazine, to challenge institutional racism.

Diplomatic Impact: He is credited with helping secure the release of Nelson Mandela by bringing together warring South African political parties (PAC and ANC) for a historic unification meeting at his executive club in Los Angeles

Recognition: He received the Physician Recognition Award from the American Medical Association and held memberships in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and ASCAP

Return to Nigeria and Philanthropy
Upon returning to Nigeria, Dr. Akpulonu dedicated himself to the care of the “medically indigent” and became known as the “Man of the People, Voice of the Voiceless”

HARIT Foundation: As Chairman of the HIV/AIDS Research Information and Treatment Foundation, he conducts ongoing research into cures for HIV and Hepatitis B

Legal Action: He filed a civil action against several international organizations and the Federal Ministry of Health regarding unethical virus research and the distribution of what he termed “HIV-laced condoms” in Nigeria

Education: He founded the Bright Star Academy Schools in Asokoro, Abuja, where he provides scholarships to disadvantaged youth

Political Journey
Frustrated by corruption and the lack of care for the poor, he entered Nigerian politics. He held leadership roles in several parties, including the PDP, APC, and SDP. He ran for the Abia South Senatorial seat in 2007 and was a candidate for the Federal House of Representatives in 2019 and 2023, though he faced challenges including being rigged out or excluded from elections.