the 8 beautiful, influential women in Nigerian politics

Nigeria is one of the countries that are exploring measures that may increase women’s participation in government at all levels, from the local to the national.

Although there could be signs that female politicians may face gender stigma from male members of the political parties to which they belong which can undermine the ability of women to reach or maintain leadership roles.

Here is a list of bold and beautiful women in Nigerian politics who played prominent roles towards development of the country:

1. Senator Florence Ita-Giwa

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Senator Florence Ita-Giwa
The 70 year old Ita-Giwa began her political career way back as 1992 as the senator for the Cross River South constituency.

Her involvement in the devolution of power constituent assembly 1994-95 earned the nickname “Mama Bakassi”. She became Olusegun Obasanjo’s special adviser on national assembly matters in 2003.

READ ALSO: 8 female politicians who make politics attractive

2. Dr Kema Chikwe

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Chief Mrs Kema Chikwe, national leader of the PDP
In the history of Nigerian politics, Chikwe was the former federal minister of aviation. She later went on to run as Imo state governor. In 2009 she became the Nigerian ambassador to Ireland and she currently holds the position of national women leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

3. Senator Christiana Anyanwu

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Anyanwu practiced for 15 years as a Nigerian journalist before her imprisonment from 1995 to 1998. She was jailed for treason after reporting on a failed coup d’état against the government.

Anyanwu, however in her senatorial evaluation is noted to have sponsored bills on occupational health and safety. Also to criminalise and punish discrimination and segregation against Nigerians.

4. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

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Dr Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a role model for women hoping for political appointments. She has served twice as Nigeria’s finance minister and as minister of foreign affairs.

She was the first female to hold both positions. Iweala is highly respected, an influential global leader, and an experienced economist on finance and economic development.

5. Dora Akunyili

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Late Dora Akunyili
Late Akunyili had a top priority: the eradication of counterfeit drugs and unsafe food in Nigeria. As the director for National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian minister of information and communications from 2008 to 2010, she faced considerable risk to her personal safety in her fight to combat the issue of fake drugs.

6. Stella Obasanjo

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Although Stella died at age 59 while in the office. As first Lady of Nigeria, she joined the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation. She then declared February 6, 2003 as the international day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation.

7. Obiageli Ezekwesili

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Ezekwesili started her political career under Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration as the pioneer head of the budget monitoring and price intelligence unit, known as due process unit.

She earned the name “Madam Due Process” for the outstanding work in sanitizing public procurement at the federal level.

8. Mrs. Florence Anyanwu

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Florence Anyanwu, Acting Auditor General of the Federation (AUGF)
Prior to her appointment as the acting Auditor General of the Federation (AUGF), Anyanwu was the director of Audit in charge of legislature, Judiciary and Security Agencies Department of the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation, Nigeria.

She has more than 32 years’ experience as a professional auditor. She is a conferred fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria. Anyanwu is also a member of chartered institute of taxation, Nigeria.

Do you know of any other influential wom