Female Nigeria governors in 2014

On November 2006, 64 year old Virginia Ngozi Etiaba was sworn in as Nigeria's first female governor. She had been deputy governor to Peter Obi in the south-eastern Nigeria state (Anambra) and became governor when Obi was impeached. At first she refused to take the position citing that "Peter was my boss and still remains my boss." Yes,let's give women a chance to rule Nigeria. Go Etiaba! Come on Women! were the written words as banners flood Anambra State.


It is nearly ten years since the history was made. In 2014, there is no single state in Nigeria where a woman is governor. Nigerian women are still at the periphery of governance. We have women as ministers, first lady, deputy governors and other low key offices. Women needs to rise up. The likes of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Prof Dora Akunyili, Dr Oby, Merem and Ezekwesili are powerful names in Nigeria now.

The male dominant often monopolized Nigeria continues to devalue the importance of women in office. As a stupid Nigerian man argued "She was not elected, She was made governor because the ruling governor was impeached. She sold him out. She hijacked her boss. She will never have been made governor via election."

Is that really true that a Nigerian women will never be elected governor of a state in Nigeria? I don't think so. I'm of the opinion that women in Nigeria politics will help empower more women and effect more changes that her male counterpart.

A mother Nigeria will do better than a corrupt father.