By Emeka Amaefula
UNVEILING IMO STATE’S PATH TO ITS FIRST FEMALE GOVERNORSHIP
Imo State stands at a historic crossroads. The conversation around women’s leadership has never been more vibrant, as the state witnesses the emergence of two distinguished daughters whose professional excellence, public service, and national influence have reshaped the political and developmental discourse. Their accomplishments illustrate not only personal achievement but also the growing recognition that women are central to shaping Imo State’s future.
BARR. (MRS.) CHINYERE IHUOMA EKOMARU – DEPUTY GOVERNOR, IMO STATE
Barrister Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru has made history as the first female Deputy Governor of Imo State, breaking barriers in a political landscape long dominated by men. Born on 31 May 1972 in Umunoha Community, Mbaitolu Local Government Area, she devoted over two decades to legal practice, earning wide respect as a distinguished lawyer and civic leader. She is married to Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru, SAN, and her personal and professional life reflects a commitment to excellence, integrity, and public service.
Her political journey entered a decisive phase in August 2023, when she was unveiled as the running mate to Governor Hope Uzodinma on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform. Sworn in on 15 January 2024, succeeding Professor Placid Njoku, she immediately became a central figure in the state’s executive administration.
As Deputy Governor, Barr. Ekomaru has championed initiatives across multiple sectors. She has played a leading role in Peace-building and boundary dispute resolution, chaired committees tasked with restoring harmony in affected communities, and strengthened collaboration between local governments and professional associations to advance infrastructure development and legal welfare. Her advocacy extends to healthcare, human rights, and gender equity, promoting inclusive governance that bridges the gap between policy and community needs.
Her tenure has positioned her as a symbol of continuity, institutional knowledge, and progressive leadership. Barr. Ekomaru embodies a strategic blend of legal acumen, administrative competence, and community engagement, fueling public discourse on women’s capacity to hold the state’s highest offices.
“Leadership is about service, collaboration, and opening doors for others. I am committed to ensuring that women play a central role in shaping Imo’s future,” she has often affirmed.
One advantage her Governorship position in 2027 may succeed is that she hails from Mbaitoli LGA Imo state with high population density voters advantages in Imo state Electoral dynamics. Whereas Dr. Doris Anite- Uzoka hails from the popular Orlu Senatorial zone that had occupied Douglas House Imo state seat of political power since 1999 to date with a break of Governor Ikedi Ohakim administration.
DR. (MRS.) DORIS UZOKA- ANITE
Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment now Minister of State for Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While Barr. Ekomaru leads at the state executive level, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite represents Imo State on the national and international stage. Hailing from Orsu-Obodo, Oru Clan, Oguta Local Government Area, Oil and Gas producing area in Imo state under Orlu Senatorial zone. This zone has 12- LGAs with high population voting density in Imo state. Dr. Uzoka-Anite combines global economic expertise, strategic policy-making, and visionary leadership in her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s academic journey began at State Primary School, Festac Town, Lagos, and continued at Ilupeju College, Lagos. She earned her MBBS from the University of Benin in 1999 before pivoting to finance and economic policy. Her advanced training includes programs at the University of Oxford (Fintech & Algorithmic Trading), TRIUM Global Executive MBA (NYU Stern, HEC Paris, LSE), London Academy of Trading, London Business School, and Lagos Business School. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a specialist in risk management, derivatives, and portfolio strategies.
Her national responsibilities reflect deep trust and influence in Nigeria’s economic governance. She has served as Secretary of the Presidential Economic Committee, Secretary of the Presidential Food Security Council, member of Presidential Strategy and Fiscal Policy committees, and advisor to the Independent Presidential Campaign Council. Beyond Nigeria, she has represented the country at high-level global platforms, advocating for strategic engagement in U.S.–Africa trade, special economic zones, global supply chains, and investment promotion.
“Economic transformation is driven by vision, data, and collaboration. Women must be at the table to shape our nation’s future,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasizes, a mantra that mirrors her commitment to strategic development and inclusive leadership.
A New Political Horizon for Imo State
Together, Barr. Chinyere Ekomaru and Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite symbolize a new era of female leadership in Imo State. They embody competence, vision, and global perspective, showing that governance, economic strategy, and development are not bound by gender. Their emergence is a testament to what visionary women can achieve when opportunity meets expertise.
Their combined influence positions Imo State at the cusp of a historic milestone—the possible emergence of its first female Governor. Beyond gender progress, their leadership signifies a broader aspiration for inclusive, development-driven, and visionary governance that could redefine political culture and inspire future generations across the state and nation.
———Emeka Amaefula ———–+234(0)8111813069—–