Betta Edu Biography
Betta Edu, born on October 27, 1986, is a Nigerian politician known for her dynamic career and contributions to public health. She hails from the Abi local government area in Cross River State.
Graduating from the Federal Government Girls College in Calabar in 2001, Betta later earned her first degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Calabar in 2009. She continued her academic journey, obtaining a doctorate in public health from Texila American University, a master’s degree in public health in developing countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a postgraduate diploma in public health for developing countries.
Political career
Betta Edu’s political journey began in 2015 when she was appointed as the youngest Special Adviser on Community and Primary Healthcare to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Benedict Ayade. Her leadership skills were further recognized as she assumed the role of the National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum in 2020.
In March 2022, Betta Edu was elected as the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) youngest national women leader. During the 2023 Nigerian general elections campaign, she, as the APC’s national women leader, promised women a 35 percent affirmative action under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Betta Edu’s dedication to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment earned her the Award of Excellence in Leadership from the Federal Government of Nigeria in July 2023. This recognition, presented by the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women Development, commended her efforts in promoting the rights of women, children, and marginalized groups in Nigeria.
In July 2023, Betta Edu received a vote of confidence from the state Women Leaders of the APC across all 36 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory. This gesture was a testament to her impactful leadership.
As the Nigerian Senate unveiled its list of candidates for ministerial appointments in July 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu proposed Betta Edu for the position. If appointed, she would make history as Cross River State’s first female minister.
Assuming the role of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in August 2023, Betta Edu continues to make strides in her political career, advocating for positive change and inclusivity.
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