After a four-term stint in the House of Representtaives, Nkiru Onyejeocha, now serves the country as a minister in the Tinubu cabinet
Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejocha was born on November 23, 1969, in Isuochi, Umunneochi local government area of Abia State.
She began her educational journey at her home town before attending the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and graduated with a diploma in social work/community development before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the same school. Furthering her education, Onyejocha obtained a master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy from Imo State University in 2005 and another in shipping from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State. After completing her university education, Onyejocha participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1993, serving in the protocol office of the governor of Osun State. This experience was pivotal, as it ignited her passion for public service and politics.
Political life and controversies…
Onyejocha had a stint in the private sector from where she veered into public service. In 2007, she was first elected to the House of Representatives on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform to represent Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia state. Her legislative objectives focused on enhancing the living standards of women, children, youth, and the less privileged, as well as improving education, health, and infrastructure. During this tenure, she chaired the women in parliament committee, leading efforts to address gender inequality and improve the lives of children and the less fortunate.
She was re-elected into the 7th assembly (2011 – 2015) where she chaired the house committee on aviation. Afrer being re-elected in 2019, Onyejocha ran for the speakership of the 9th assembly, campaigning on two issues. She ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the 10th House of Representatives. She got appointment as minister of state for labour and employment by President Bola Tinubu, thereby becoming the only female who has been a legislator and was appointed into the federal cabinet.
Being the only female in the current cabinet who has legislative experience, OrderPaper highlighted her transition from the legislature to the executive in a special publication titled FLEX (From the Legislature to the Executive).
