Margaret Brownson Usen Obi was born on September 9, 1974, in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Originally from Akwa Ibom State, she grew up with a strong sense of social justice and a passion for uplifting women and children. These values would later define her life’s work as a businesswoman, philanthropist, and advocate for human rights.
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Early Life and Background
Margaret Brownson Usen Obi, born on September 9, 1974, in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and human rights advocate. Originally from Akwa Ibom State, she has made significant contributions to women’s empowerment and child welfare in Nigeria. Melting Pot
Marriage and Family
In 1992, Margaret married Peter Gregory Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. Their union has been blessed with two children:
- Gabriella Nwamaka Frances Obi: Gabriella married Chicago-based businessman Chukwuma Okeke-Ojiudu in April 2022. DNB Stories
- Gregory Peter Oseloka Obi: Gregory earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Bristol University in England. He is a notable actor and producer, having worked in the UK and Hollywood film industries. Melting Pot
Role as First Lady of Anambra State
Margaret Obi served as the First Lady of Anambra State during her husband’s tenure as governor from 2006 to 2014. In this role, she was instrumental in advocating for women’s empowerment and child welfare. Her notable initiatives included:
- Advancing Women’s Representation: She championed the National Gender Affirmative Action, ensuring significant female representation in Peter Obi’s cabinet. Melting Pot
- Social Justice for Women and Children: She played a pivotal role in establishing family courts under the state’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development. These courts addressed issues such as child abuse and violations of women’s rights, particularly inheritance rights for widows.
- Programs for Social Welfare: Margaret launched various programs aimed at empowering women economically and socially.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Margaret has dedicated her life to philanthropy and advocacy for human rights. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for women and ensuring justice for vulnerable groups in society. Her work reflects her commitment to fostering equity, empowerment, and social development.
Public Declaration of Marital Commitment
In a widely circulated interview on the popular YouTube podcast The Honest Bunch, Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, made a profound public statement regarding his unwavering commitment to his wife of over three decades, Margaret Brownson Usen Obi.
During the interview, Obi declared that under no circumstance would he consider separating from his wife, even in the face of extreme challenges such as infidelity. He emphasized that divorce would never be an option for him, asserting:
“No matter what my wife does today, I will never stop being married to her, and I will never separate from her; even if she were to take a gun to shoot me, I will never leave her. As long as I am alive, I won’t marry another woman. She is my wife.”
Obi went further to say that his marriage is a sealed matter and expressed his commitment to remaining faithful for life, stating that even in the event of separation, he would never take another wife or engage with another woman.
This public profession not only highlights the strength of their marital bond but also reflects the values of loyalty, forgiveness, and steadfast love that underpin their long-standing union.
Legacy
Margaret Brownson Usen Obi is widely regarded as a compassionate and impactful leader. Through her initiatives as First Lady and her ongoing philanthropic endeavors, she has left an indelible mark on Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole, particularly in the areas of gender equity and child welfare.
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