Written By: Maxwell Ezeude

Today, November 11, 2019 marks the Seventy-Seventh birthday of a former Governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Ngozika Etiaba(CON), whose participation in politics could be described as both historical and glorious, being the first female state governor in Nigeria.


Born on November 11, 1942 at Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area and married to late Barrister Barnett Etiaba, Dame Virgy Etiaba had her Primary and Secondary Education at Kano State, followed by her Teacher Training Education in Gombe State.


Her Educational qualifications include: National Certificate in Education from the Abraka College of Education, Delta State, and Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Nigeria Nsukka as well as a certificate in Information Technology from Goldsmith College, University of London.


Dame Virgy worked as a Headmistress and Secondary School teacher for thirty-five years at different parts of the state. She retired meritoriously in 1991 and established the Benneth Etiaba Memorial School, Nnewi.


Dame Etiaba’s Political life is quite impressive and remarkable. She became the governor of Anambra State in 2006, following the impeachment of former Peter Governor 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 and her party leadership to persuade her to submit herself for the swearing-in as there would be no 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 “Anambra State Child Rights Bill”. Generally, she governed the state when there was a high political turmoil, especially between the PDP- controlled Anambra State House of Assembly and APGA-led executive arm of Government. She weathered the storm and brokered peace among the political actors. It was in appreciation of her good governance that Ndi Anambra gave her the nickname, “Mama Anambra”.


Former Governor Virgy Etiaba has always held the belief that if you are kind to history, history would be kind to you. Hear her, quote: I would want to be remembered as a public officer who served responsibly, compassionately and competently. My training as a teacher mandates me to show good examples 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”. End of quote Dame Virgy Etiaba is a devout Christian of the Anglican Church 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 Virgie has continued to render quality services to God and humanity. She authored a book, “My Life, My Story”, where she chronicled her life journey.


Former Governor Etiaba could be described as a virtuous woman due largely to her sound moral and mentoring tendencies. She has remained a good example of motherhood and a source of inspiration to the entire 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 (Emeka Etiaba Echezona Etiaba) are Senior Advocates of Nigeria and others are doing pretty well in their vocations.


So, as the first female Deputy Governor in Igbo land and first female Governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba (Mama Anambra) marks her seventy-seventh 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 the masses.


“Mama Anambra”, we salute you and extol you as a mother, teacher, Deputy Governor and Governor. Ndi Anambra, Ndigbo and Nigerians are proud of you. We wish you more eventful years ahead. Happy birthday!

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