She made history with a brief tenure that lasted three months, from 2006 to 2007....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Meet Virginia Etiaba, one of the impressive women in Nigeria.
She became the first female governor in Nigeria in 2006.
She lasted only three months in office before resuming her old position – deputy governor of Anambra state.
Today, we celebrate one of Nigeria’s record breakers, Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba. She is the first female governor in this country. Here is everything you need to know about this impressive woman:
Origin story
The native of Nnewi in Anambra State was born on November 11, 1942. She had her primary and secondary school education inKano state, where she was raised by her Uncle, Chief Pius Ejimbe.
This was followed by her Teachers Training programme in Gombe State. Her educational qualifications include the National Certificate of Education, Bachelor of Education (Hon.) and a certificate in Information Technology
Etiaba worked as a teacher and headmistress for 35 years in several parts of Anambra state. She retired in 1991 and went on to start the Bennet Etiaba Memorial Schools in Nnewi.
Politics
In March 2006, the 64-year-old resigned as the proprietress to take the position of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State.
Later that year, she became governor following the impeachment of the previous governor, Peter Obi, for alleged gross misconduct.
Reportedly, she initially refused to take the position saying, “The governor is my boss and he remains my boss.” BBC reports that it took some elders, leaders of her party and nearly five hours to persuade her to change her mind. “The peculiarity of situation that has led me to accept the position,” she later revealed.
Etiaba’s decision to become governor earned her criticism from many local religious and community leaders.
They put out a statement that read, “We are shocked at the alleged summersault of the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba who we had commended for keeping faith with the people when she rejected the offer to replace her boss and sincerely hope that she was not coerced into accepting to be sworn in as the Governor of Anambra State against her peoples wish.
She was sworn in on November 3, 2006.
Thanks for reading; Like share and comment your opinions in the comments section below.
