Mbakwe

Mbakwe is a surname of Igbo origin in southeastern Nigeria. The name is most closely associated with Samuel Onunwa Mbakwe, a prominent Nigerian administrator who served as the first civilian governor of Imo State after its creation, holding office from 1979 to 1983. Mbakwe’s tenure is noted for infrastructural development and urban planning efforts in Imo State, including the capital city, Owerri.

As a family name, Mbakwe has been carried by individuals across various sectors in Nigeria, including business, education, and public service. While Samuel Mbakwe remains the most widely recognized bearer of the name due to his political role, the surname is not limited to a single notable figure and appears within Igbo communities more broadly.

In contemporary contexts, Mbakwe may appear in discussions of Nigerian political history, regional development in Imo State, or as part of genealogical or cultural inquiries into Igbo naming practices. The name itself reflects Igbo linguistic and cultural heritage and is one example among many surnames that denote regional and ethnic identity within Nigeria.