Virginia Etiaba is a Nigerian politician who made history as the first woman to serve as Governor of Anambra State, a state in Southeastern Nigeria.
She held this position briefly from November 2006 to February 2007.
Etiaba’s governorship comes after the state legislature impeached the previous governor, Peter Obi.
He was impeached for alleged serious misconduct, and as a result, Etiaba was appointed the new governor. However, Etiaba’s time as governor was short-lived.
After three months in office, the appeals court invalidated Obi’s impeachment.
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- Full name: Virginia Ngozi Etiaba
- Stage name: Virginia Etiaba
- Date of birth: November 11, 1942
- Age: 81 years old
- Place of birth: Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Former Governor of Anambra State
- Height: Unknown
- Parents: Unknown
- Uncle: Chief of Police Pius Ejimbe
- Siblings: Unknown
- Spouse: Late Bennet Etiabalate
- Children: 6
- Relationship: Single
- Net worth: Unknown
Early life and education
Virginia Ngozi Etiaba was born on November 11, 1942 in Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria. Her parents’ names are unknown, but she was raised by her uncle, Chief Pius Ejimbe, who lived in Kano. She may have grown up with her siblings, but the media doesn’t know their names.
She attended primary and secondary school in Kano state. Her educational qualifications include National Certificate of Education, Bachelor of Education (Hon.) and a certificate in Information Technology. She is of Igbo descent and a Christian.
Career
Virginia Etiaba began her professional career as a teacher. She then participated in a teacher training program in Gombe state, Nigeria. For 35 years, Etiaba worked as a teacher and principal in several schools in Kafanchan, Aba, Port Harcourt and Nnewi.
In 2006, Etiaba made history when she became the first woman to serve as Governor of Anambra State, a state in southeastern Nigeria. She was appointed governor after the previous governor, Peter Obi, was impeached by the state legislature for alleged gross misconduct.
Etiaba served as governor from November 2006 to February 2007 before transferring his powers to Obi when the court of appeal nullified the impeachment.
Prior to her role as governor, Etiaba retired from the Anambra State Government in 1991 and founded the Benneth Etiaba Memorial School in Nnewi, where she served as the owner. In March 2006, she resigned from this position to assume the role of deputy governor of Anambra state before becoming governor.
Throughout her extensive career, Virginia Etiaba has demonstrated a strong commitment to education. She worked as a teacher for over thirty decades and founded her own school.
Her historic tenure as the first female governor of a state in Nigeria also marked a milestone for women’s participation in the country’s political leadership.
Social Media
Virginia Etiaba requires an active social media account.
Personal life
Virginia Etiaba is currently single and not in any romantic relationship. She was previously married to the late Bennet Etiaba of Umudim-Nnewi.
They married in 1962 and lived together for 24 years until Bennet passed away. Virginia and Bennet Etiaba had six children together – four boys and two girls. Their two children are named Emeka and Echezona.
Net worth
Virginia Etiaba, a former Nigerian politician who served as Governor of Anambra State, has not made public any information about her net worth or financial status.
She maintains a private lifestyle and is not open about her financial matters. Many politicians keep specific details about their finances private.