What does it actually take to feel at home in your own body? For Dr. Chidinma Akpa Pheoby, the answer has shaped an entire career.
Dr. Dinma earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Ibadan in 2018 and has continued deepening her expertise through international training, including an elective surgical posting at University College Hospital, Coventry and Warwickshire, UK, a Plastic Surgery Post-operative Care Masterclass in the Dominican Republic, a Health Management and Leadership course at Harvard School of Continuing Medical Education, and her standing as a Physician Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
Long before she became the founder and CEO of CGE Healthcare, Dr. Dinma spent her twenties advocating for the rights and wellbeing of women and girls. It was there she realised that confidence is not just emotional, it is also physical, deeply personal, and often the missing piece in how women show up in the world.
That realisation led her into aesthetic medicine, and eventually into building a facility designed around one non-negotiable feeling: safety. Today, CGE Healthcare stands as proof that world-class cosmetic care does not have to live outside Nigeria, and that confidence, properly supported, can be a woman’s greatest asset.
In her She Leads Business interview with Leading Ladies Africa, Dr. Dinma opens up about building one of Nigeria’s most advanced cosmetic surgery facilities, her vision for positioning the country as a hub for medical tourism, the misconceptions she’s working to change about aesthetic medicine, and why helping women feel confident in their own bodies is at the heart of everything she does.
Dr. Dinma, you are a medical doctor, a cosmetic surgeon, and the founder of CGE Healthcare. Tell us about yourself and the vision behind what you have built.
I am Dr. Chidinma Akpa Pheoby, a medical doctor, cosmetic surgeon, and the Founder and CEO of CGE Healthcare. I earned my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Ibadan in 2018 and have continued to deepen my expertise through international training, including an elective surgical posting at the University College Hospital, Coventry and Warwickshire, UK, Plastic Surgery Post-operative Care Masterclass in Dominican Republic. Health Management and Leadership course at Harvard School of Continuing Medical education, and a Physician member, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.
My journey has always been rooted in service, particularly to women. In my twenties, I dedicated much of my time to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of women and girls. Over time, I realized that helping women also means helping them feel confident, safe, and empowered in their own bodies.
That belief inspired me to build CGE Healthcare facility, a purpose-driven healthcare facility where clinical excellence, patient safety, and compassionate care come together. My vision is to create a trusted space where every client feels seen, supported, and cared for throughout their wellness journey, while demonstrating that world-class aesthetic medicine can thrive here in Nigeria.
What drew you specifically to aesthetic medicine and what did you see in that space that told you this was where you were meant to practise?
My passion has always been to work with women. I want African women to feel supported, nurtured, and empowered to step into every room as the best version of themselves. Aesthetic medicine gave me the opportunity to contribute to that journey in a meaningful way. It is about much more than appearance; it is about confidence, self-esteem, and helping people feel comfortable in their own skin.
You designed CGE Healthcare with real intention. Walk us through that vision. What is the primary emotion you want every patient to feel as soon as they step into your facility?
The primary emotion I want every patient to feel is safety. We built the CGE Healthcare facility around three core values: safety, excellence, and patient-centered care. Every detail, from the design and layout to the atmosphere and patient experience, was intentionally curated to make people feel warm, comfortable, and reassured that they are in capable hands.
You speak about helping patients reclaim their narratives and build genuine self-confidence. How does that intention shape the way you guide someone through their healing journey?
For us, care does not end after a procedure. We have dedicated teams and structures in place to support our patients throughout their recovery journey. Healing requires intentionality, follow-up, education, and continuous care. We walk with our patients every step of the way because confidence is not built in a day; it is built through trust, support, and positive outcomes.
Aesthetic surgery in Nigeria is often seen as something only the elite can access. What is your take on that?
I believe that the narrative is changing. Cosmetic surgery is a form of self-care, and with proper planning and preparation, it is more accessible than many people realize. It is not reserved for a select few. It is for anyone who wants to invest in their confidence, well-being, and quality of life. Part of our mission is to make people understand that aesthetic medicine can be both safe and accessible.
There are so many myths around cosmetic surgery in Nigeria. What is the one misconception you are most determined to correct?
The biggest myth is that cosmetic surgery is inherently unsafe. When people hear the words “cosmetic surgery,” they often think of worst-case scenarios. The reality is that while every medical procedure carries risks, advancements in evidence-based medicine, technology, safety protocols, and aftercare have made cosmetic surgery significantly safer. Our responsibility is to educate people and ensure they have access to safe, professional care.
You led the medical team for Hilda Baci’s historic Guinness World Record Cook-a-Thon. What did that experience teach you about leadership under pressure?
That experience taught me the importance of preparation, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure. When you are responsible for people’s well-being in high-pressure situations, there is no room for panic. Leadership requires clarity, adaptability, and the ability to make sound decisions while keeping your team focused on the bigger goal. It reinforced my belief that great outcomes are achieved when people work together with purpose.
You mentor young women and draw inspiration from trailblazers like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. What do you most want to pass on to the next generation of female leaders?
I want young women to understand that leadership begins with believing in their own potential. They should not be afraid to take up space, challenge limitations, and pursue ambitious goals. We need more women who are willing to build, lead, and create solutions. My hope is that they recognize that their voice matters and that they are capable of creating lasting impact in their communities and industries.
What needs to change for more African women to see themselves as founders and owners in the healthcare and wellness space, not just practitioners within it?
Representation is important. When women see other women building successful healthcare businesses, it expands what they believe is possible. We also need greater access to mentorship, funding, and business education. Women should be encouraged not only to practice medicine but also to create institutions, build brands, and shape the future of healthcare. Ownership allows women to drive meaningful change at scale.
When all is said and done, what do you want CGE Healthcare and your work to represent for women’s confidence, wellness, and self-worth across Africa?
I want CGE Healthcare to represent safety, excellence, and empowerment. I want women across Africa to know that they deserve to feel confident, cared for, and supported. If my work inspires women to invest in themselves, prioritize their well-being, and believe in their worth, then I would consider that a meaningful legacy. Ultimately, I want CGE Healthcare to be a symbol of what is possible when purpose, passion, and service come together.
