Today November 11, 2022 marks the eightieth birthday of the former Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Ngozika Etiaba whose participation in politics could be described as both historical and glorious, being the first female governor in Nigeria.
Born on 11th November, 1942 in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area and married to late Barr. Benneth Etiaba, Dame Virgy Etiaba (CON) had her primary and secondary school education in Kano State followed by her Teacher Training Education in Gombe State. Her educational qualifications include: National Certificate of Education from Abraka College of Education, Delta State, Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and a certificate in Information Technology from Goldsmith College, University of London.
Dame Virgy worked as headmistress and secondary school teacher for thirty-five years in different parts of the state. She retired meritoriously in 1991 and established the Benneth Etiaba Memorial School, Nnewi.
Dame Virgy’s political life is quite impressive and remarkable. She became the Governor of Anambra State in 2006 following the quashed impeachment of former Governor Peter Obi. It is on record that she declined being sworn in as according to her “The Governor is my boss and he remains my boss”. Reports had it that it took some religious leaders, elders, stakeholders as well as her party leadership to persuade her to submit herself for the swearing in as there would not be a vacuum in the governance of the state.
Mama Anambra as she is fondly called, governed the state for a brief but impactful period of little above three months. Despite having a short tenure, she made remarkable achievements. She flagged off and constructed several roads. Dame Virgy signed into law during her tenure the “Anambra State Child Rights Bill,”
being the first governor in Nigeria to do so. Generally, she governed the state when there was high political turmoil, but she weathered the storm and brokered peace
amongst the political actors. It was in appreciation of her good governance that Ndi Anambra gave her the name “Mama Anambra”.
Talking about her legacy, former Governor Dame Virgy Etiaba said “I have always held the belief that if you are kind to history, history will be kind to you. I would want to be remembered as a public officer who served responsibly, compassionately and competently. My training and background as a teacher mandates me to show good example at all times. So, I would want to pass on, directly or indirectly, a legacy of principled leadership, hard work, commitment to the needs of the people, respect for the feelings of the people as well as the fear of God”.
Religiously, Dame Virgy Etiaba is a devout Christian of the Anglican extraction. She is a knight of Saint Mary and belongs to many religious organizations. She is a member of the Christian Association of Nigerian Schools. Dame Virgy has continued to render quality services to God and humanity. She has authored a book titled “My Life, My Story”, where she chronicled the accounts of her life’s journey.
Former Governor Etiaba could be described as a virtuous woman due largely to her sound moral and mentorship tendencies. She has remained a good example of motherhood and a source of inspiration to womanhood. God as a perfect rewarder of good deeds has blessed Mama Anambra in all facets of life. She has six successful children of which two of them are Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
So, as the first female deputy governor in Igbo land and the first female governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba (Mama Anambra) marks her eightieth birthday today, we pray God to continue to strengthen her in all goodness and give her the much-needed longevity to enable her continue to impact positively on humanity.
Mama Anambra, we salute you and extol you as a mother and teacher. Ndi Anambra, Ndigbo and Nigerians are proud of you. We wish you more eventful years ahead.
Written by EMMA MADU
Comments are closed for this post.