Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba, born 11 November 1942, is a Nigerian educator and politician who made history as the first woman to serve as governor of a Nigerian state. She served as Governor of Anambra State from November 2006 to February 2007, after previously serving as the state’s deputy governor under Peter Obi.
VIRGINIA ETIABA PROFILE
| Name | Virginia Etiaba |
| Real Name | Dame Virginia Ngozi Etiaba |
| Date Of Birth | 11 November 1942 |
| State Of Origin | Anambra State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Educator and Politician |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
VIRGINIA ETIABA BIOGRAPHY
Virginia Ngozi Etiaba was born on November 11, 1942, in Nnewi, Anambra State. She was raised by her paternal uncle, Chief Pius Ejimbe, and spent part of her early years in Kano before continuing her education and teacher training. She is from the Nnewi North area of Anambra State.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Etiaba began her education at Ibo Union School, Kano, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. She subsequently received teacher-training qualifications, including a Grade III Teachers’ Certificate in Gombe State and a Grade II Teachers’ Certificate from the Women’s Teacher Training College, Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
She later studied at Abraka College of Education, earning an NCE, before proceeding to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree. She also obtained a certificate in Information Technology from Goldsmiths College, University of London.
CAREER
Etiaba spent approximately 35 years in the teaching profession, working in schools across Kafanchan, Aba, Port Harcourt and Nnewi. She served as a teacher, school administrator and headmistress before retiring from the Anambra State Government service in 1991. After her retirement, she established the Bennet Etiaba Memorial Schools in Nnewi, where she served as proprietress. Her long career in education became an important part of her public profile before her entry into politics.
Etiaba entered frontline politics with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and became the running mate to Peter Obi in Anambra State. Following Obi’s return to office after the 2003 election dispute, Etiaba was sworn in as Deputy Governor of Anambra State on March 17, 2006.
On November 2, 2006, following the impeachment of Governor Peter Obi by the Anambra State House of Assembly, Etiaba was sworn in as governor. Her appointment made her the first female governor in Nigeria’s history. Her tenure lasted roughly three months. In February 2007, the Court of Appeal nullified Peter Obi’s impeachment, after which Etiaba handed power back to him and returned to her position as deputy governor.
CONTROVERSIES
Etiaba’s brief tenure as governor was surrounded by the political controversy surrounding Peter Obi’s impeachment. Her assumption of office came after the Anambra State House of Assembly removed Obi over allegations of gross misconduct, but the impeachment was later overturned by the Court of Appeal. Etiaba subsequently transferred power back to Obi.
There were also public rumours and allegations concerning the finances of her short administration. A contemporary review of her autobiography noted rumours alleging that large sums of money had been misappropriated during her brief tenure; however, the review itself cautioned against treating such rumours as established facts.
VIRGINIA ETIABA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
Virginia Etiaba does not have an active social media.
PERSONAL LIFE
Virginia Etiaba was married to Benneth Etiaba of Umudim, Nnewi, whom she married in 1962. They had six children. Her son, Emeka Etiaba, is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Etiaba has also remained involved in education and community activities after leaving active political office. In her later years, she has spoken about mentoring younger people and continuing her involvement in church and social activities.
VIRGINIA ETIABA NET WORTH
Virginia Etiaba’s exact net worth is not publicly verified.