When you want to consider female Deltans who have made their marks in their different areas of callings, mention must be made of Dr. (Mrs.) Esther Uduehi. Soft spoken, choosy in her words, but firm and articulate. She radiates the aura of a leader with ideas and vision propelled by the love and passion for what she believes in. Meeting her for the first time, you may want to undermine her worth, probably because of her calm disposition, taking every step when she walks as if she does not want to hurt even the air around her and the floor. And as she talks, you could see a mild smile on her lips, but beyond that, whatever she says comes with the weight of authority and sound knowledge.
She retired from the civil service as Permanent Secretary after a meritorious service to then Bendel State and she was the former Presidential Adviser to Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on National Assembly Matters and now, Chairman of the Governing Board of National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education. Added to this, she is a very strong and totally loyal member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party she believes is the flagship of Nigeria’s politics, under whose platform she is aspiring to contest the 2015 governorship election in the state.
It is on record that she became Permanent Secretary in the then Bendel State, and it was after her that more women came up to occupy such enviable positions. In her time, she had the rare privilege of managing all the schools in the state. She was Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information in Bendel State, and at a time sole Administrator, Bendel Broadcasting Service.
Retiring into politic, she joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was a member of the National Electoral Board and vied for the Senate in 2003.
Having served in various capacities as a civil servant and politician, she is presently planning to take a shot at the governorship position of Delta State in 2015. She has had the privilege of managing local governments, managed different infrastructures, persons and institutions in two states – Edo and Delta.
Her vision is to continue from where the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, stops. Of particular interest to her is the Governor’s Micro Credit Programme, which she said the Governor has done so well in impacting positively on the youth of the state. Carrying on from there, she says, as part of her mission, youth empowerment and job creation will be her priority. “I want to render services to Delta State. I have lived with the people and have been in politics in the past 16 years. My vision is to build an economically industrious Delta State, irrespective of where you come from, and to strengthen the partnership between the various ethnic groups in the state”, she says.
She holds the view that Governor Uduaghan has done well in the areas of health, education, human capital development, economic diversification and peace, and every effort should be made to allow for continuity in governance. “I, therefore, see Delta State with massive industrial development, wealth creation, rural development/renewal of urban areas”, she added.
Born to the family of late Chief Jacob Ebinum Ekeruche of Obiaruku in Ukwuani Government Area and Princess Selina Mgboba Ebinum, nee Anamali of Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area, she attended First Baptist School, Obiaruku, Queen’s School, Ede, did her Higher School Certificate programme at Ibadan Grammar School before proceeding to University of Lagos and Glasgow University, UK, Tempo University, Philadelphia, USA, and her PhD from the University of Benin. She is the first to acquire PhD in Political Science/ Public Administration from the department in University of Benin.
PHILOSPHY:
Do unto others what you’ll want them do to you. Whatever position you find yourself, do your best because you may never have that opportunity again, and do whatever you can now to improve the lot of those around you.
ROLE MODEL:
My mother. I admire her industry, uprightness and faith in God. At 95, she walked around Obiaruku town, and gave advice to whoever she felt needed it even when you were not her own biological child.
ADVISE TO WOMEN:
I have been married for 47 years and my husband, Engr. D.B Uduehi is my best friend, my confidant, and life without him will be incomplete. When a woman is married, she should try to keep her marriage no matter what happens. She should nurture her marriage, bring up the children in the fear of God because, by so doing the society will be a better place for all.
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