Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba, CON (born 11 November 1942), is a renowned Nigerian politician, educator, and trailblazer. She made history as the first woman to serve as a governor in Nigeria when she briefly governed Anambra State from November 2006 to February 2007. Her tenure was marked by the impeachment of Governor Peter Obi, during which she served as his deputy. Her decision to transfer power back to Obi after the court nullified his impeachment showcased her commitment to democratic principles.
Etiaba’s life and career are rooted in education, public service, and an unyielding dedication to societal progress, making her one of the most respected figures in Nigerian politics. A native of Nnewi in Anambra State, she overcame personal challenges, including surviving cancer, and has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian history.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 Early Life and Education
- 0.2 Professional Career
- 0.3 Political Career
- 0.4 Family Life
- 0.5 Personal Challenges and Triumphs
- 0.6 Affiliations and Achievements
- 0.7 Controversies and Challenges
- 0.8 Legacy and Influence
- 0.9 Notable Associations with Igbo Figures
- 0.10 References
- 0.11 Related posts:
- 1 Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar (Maazi Dibia)
- 2 Most Rev Dr. Hilary Paul Odilinyechukwu Okeke
- 3 Sir Paul Chukwuma
Early Life and Education
Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba was born on 11 November 1942 in Ezekwuabor Otolo-Nnewi, located in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. She was raised by her uncle, Chief Pius Ejimbe, who supported her education from her secondary school years in Kano. Her upbringing in a family that valued education laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to learning and teaching.
Etiaba pursued teacher training in Gombe State and later advanced her career as an educator. This professional journey prepared her for a life of leadership and service.
Professional Career
Virginia Etiaba dedicated 35 years of her life to teaching, serving in various capacities as an educator in Kafanchan, Aba, Port Harcourt, and Nnewi. Her contributions to the educational sector included leadership positions in schools where she fostered academic excellence and organizational efficiency.
After retiring from the Anambra State Government in 1991, she founded the Benneth Etiaba Memorial Schools in Nnewi, named in honor of her late husband. The school remains a testament to her commitment to education and community development.
Political Career
Deputy Governor of Anambra State
In March 2006, Virginia Etiaba entered politics as the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, serving alongside Governor Peter Obi. Her political ascension was a significant milestone, highlighting her transition from education to governance.
Governor of Anambra State
Etiaba assumed the position of Governor of Anambra State on 2 November 2006, following the impeachment of Peter Obi by the Anambra State House of Assembly for alleged gross misconduct. During her three-month tenure, she prioritized governance stability and maintained the state’s administrative functions.
On 9 February 2007, Etiaba voluntarily handed back the governorship to Peter Obi after an appellate court nullified his impeachment. Her actions were widely praised as a demonstration of loyalty to the rule of law.
Family Life
Virginia married the late Benneth Etiaba of Umudim Nnewi in 1962. Their union lasted 24 years until Benneth’s untimely death. Together, they had six children, including Emeka Etiaba (SAN), a prominent legal practitioner and politician who once contested for the governorship of Anambra State.
Despite her demanding career, Etiaba maintained a close-knit family and instilled values of service and education in her children.
Personal Challenges and Triumphs
In 1998, Virginia was diagnosed with colon cancer. Her battle with the disease, confirmed at King’s College London Hospital, marked a turning point in her life. She emerged victorious, using her experience to inspire resilience in others.
Affiliations and Achievements
Etiaba is a member of numerous organizations, including:
- Association of Women Entrepreneurs
- World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)
- Christian Association of Nigerian Schools
- Environmental International Vanguard
Her leadership extended to ecclesiastical roles as a Synod Member of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Controversies and Challenges
Although Etiaba’s career has been largely devoid of significant scandals, her brief governorship attracted criticism from opponents of Peter Obi, who questioned her qualifications to lead the state. However, her performance during the three-month tenure won over many skeptics.
Legacy and Influence
Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba remains a symbol of women’s empowerment in Nigeria. Her groundbreaking role as the first female governor has inspired many women to pursue leadership positions in politics and other fields.
Her son, Emeka Etiaba, has continued her legacy by participating in Anambra State politics, further cementing the family’s contribution to the state’s development.
Notable Associations with Igbo Figures
Etiaba’s political and personal connections include collaborations with prominent Igbo politicians such as:
- Peter Obi – Former Governor of Anambra State.
- Chinwoke Mbadinuju – Former Governor of Anambra State.
- Emeka Etiaba (SAN) – Her son and a political figure in Anambra State.
References
- Wikipedia: Virginia Etiaba
- BBC News: Profile: Nigeria’s first female governor
- Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation: ETIABA, Virginia Ngozi
- AnaedoOnline: First Female Governor In Nigeria And ‘Mama Anambra,’ Dame Virgy Etiaba Is 77 Years Today
- Voice of Nigeria: Governor Soludo congratulates Nigeria’s first female Governor at 80
- ABS Radio TV: DAME VIRGY ETIABA CLOCKS 81
- Women of Rubies: MEET VIRGINIA ETIABA, FIRST WOMAN TO BECOME A GOVERNOR IN NIGERIA
- Olatorera: Who Is Virginia Etiaba- First Female Governor In Nigeria
- ABS Radio TV: DAME VIRGY ETIABA AT 80
- ABS Radio TV: Nigeria’s First Female Governor Etiaba Clocks 78
Related posts:
Uchechukwu Obiajulu Sakar (Maazi Dibia)
Most Rev Dr. Hilary Paul Odilinyechukwu Okeke
Sir Paul Chukwuma
Views: 50
N:B Please send your updated CV to: info@igbopeople.org – Editor
© igbopeople.org
All entries on this website will be periodically updated to add, modify, or amend the information or content of existing entries. Consequently, no legal action will be entertained against the biographer for any information considered incomplete or insufficient.