Betta Chimaobim Edu, born on October 27, 1986, has had a multifaceted career in Nigerian politics, mostly marred by controversy.
She was once accused of diverting public funds into her personal account. She also faced suspension as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Prior to this, she held prominent positions in politics and healthcare.
Background and Education
Hailing from Abi Local Government Area in Cross River State, Betta completed her secondary education in 2001 at the Federal Government Girls College, Calabar.
After graduating in 2009 with a degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Calabar, she pursued further studies, earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries and a master's degree in Public Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
She later obtained a Doctor of Public Health from Texila American University.
Political Career Highlights
Edu's political journey began in 2015 when she became the youngest Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State.
In 2020, she chaired the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce and later assumed the role of National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. She is also a Fellow of the Royal School of Public Health and the African Institute of Public Health Professionals.
In March 2022, Edu made history as the youngest national women leader of the All Progressives Congress. During the 2023 Nigerian general elections campaign, she promised women 35 percent affirmative action under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
In July 2023, she received a vote of confidence from state Women Leaders of the APC during their visit to President Tinubu.
Recognition and Ministerial Appointment
In July 2023, Betta Edu received the Award of Excellence in Leadership from the Maryam Babangida National Center For Women Development for her efforts in gender inclusion and women empowerment.
President Tinubu nominated her for minister, making her the first female minister from Cross River State and the youngest minister in the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
Sworn in as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in August 2023, she vacated her role as the National Women Leader of the APC.
