By Anastasia Agunwa
The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has described former Governor of Anambra, Dame Virgy Etiaba, as a virtuous woman, renowned educationist, role model and selfless politician who made history as Nigeria’s first female governor.
Udeze stated this in a birthday message issued on behalf of the state legislature to mark Etiaba’s 84th birthday on Nov. 11.
He described her as a woman of destiny and a devout Christian, noting that her emergence as governor in 2006 helped restore calm to the state amid a period of political tension.
According to him, Etiaba provided inclusive and peaceful leadership, drawing on her experience as an educationist and her motherly disposition in administering the state.
The Speaker highlighted some achievements of her administration, including the enactment of the Anambra State Child Rights Act, which sought to protect children’s rights and promote their welfare, particularly that of girls.
He also listed road construction, the revival of moribund government parastatals and the settlement of outstanding gratuities and pensions among the achievements of her administration.
Udeze further commended Etiaba for her personal charitable interventions in support of widows and persons living with disabilities in the state.
He appealed to the Federal Government to honour the former governor by naming a befitting federal government institution after her in recognition of her contributions to public service and her place in Nigeria’s political history.
The Speaker prayed God to grant Etiaba continued good health and longevity, urging women to emulate her virtues of hard work, love, peace and righteousness.
Anastasia Agunwa is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#VirgyEtiabaAt84
#LegislativeBirthdayMessage
#WomenInLeadership
