The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called on the Federal Government to immortalise former Anambra State Governor, Dame Virgy Etiaba, by naming a befitting federal government institution after her in recognition of her contributions to the country.
Udeze made the appeal as Dame Etiaba, the first female governor in Nigeria, marked her 84th birthday.
In a congratulatory message on behalf of the State Legislature, the Speaker described Dame Etiaba as a virtuous woman, renowned teacher, role model, selfless politician and devout Christian whose emergence as governor in 2006 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political history.
He said God used her to provide leadership in Anambra State at a critical period when the state’s political situation was turbulent, noting that her emergence brought calm to the political environment.
According to Udeze, Dame Etiaba deployed her motherly disposition and commitment to peace to run an inclusive and godly administration.
In a statement signed by Emma Madu, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Udeze highlighted some of the former governor’s achievements, including signing the Child Rights Law, constructing roads, reviving moribund parastatals and clearing outstanding gratuities and pension liabilities.
He also commended her personal charity initiatives targeted at widows and persons living with disabilities across the state.
The Speaker said naming a federal government institution after Dame Etiaba would serve as a fitting recognition of her contributions and the historic role she played in projecting Nigeria’s image before the international community as its first female governor.
He prayed God to continue to bless her with good health and longevity, while urging other women to emulate her virtues of hard work, love, peace and righteousness.
