…Trailblazing Leadership Celebrated as Engr. Chris Obiorah Immortalizes Her Legacy
In a grand tribute on Saturday, October 6, 2024, Nnewi celebrated H.E. (Dr) Dame Virgy Etiaba, CON, Nigeria’s first female governor, by naming the town’s longest boulevard in her honor. The local government council chairman, Engr. Chris Obiorah, led the ceremony to immortalize Dame Etiaba’s legacy, naming the newly unveiled Dame Virgy Etiaba Street as a symbol of her meritorious service to Anambra State and the nation. The event drew prominent figures, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration for the trailblazing former governor.
Reflecting on the honor, Engr. Obiorah stated, “It is a generally known maxim in life that no person ever gets honored for what they received. Honour has always been the reward for what people gave. Today, we honor a woman who gave her all for the service of our people and our nation.”
Dame Etiaba, who served as the Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2007, received this distinguished honor while alive, a rarity that underscores the depth of her impact. “People are often honoured after their demise, but it always feels even better to witness people’s perception of your legacy while alive. I congratulate Mama and all those that conceived this noble gesture,” Obiorah added during his presentation.
Dame Virgy Etiaba (middle) after unveiling the street name
The council chairman handed Dame Etiaba a certificate of honor, stating that it symbolized the appreciation of the people of Nnewi for her meritorious contributions to the development of the community and the nation. He emphasized that her legacy of service and leadership remains a beacon for current and future generations.
Industrialist Dr. Cletus Madubugwu Ibeto, speaking at the event, praised the gesture as a fitting recognition for a respected and strong woman. “Dame Etiaba’s strength, resilience, and commitment to the people of Anambra and Nigeria make her deserving of this honor. I commend Chairman Obiorah for ensuring that this legacy will be remembered for generations,” Ibeto said.
Responding on behalf of the Etiaba family, her son, Emeka Etiaba, SAN, expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on his mother. “This is indeed a great honor, and it is even more special that this recognition is happening while my mother is still alive. We thank Engr. Obiorah and the people of Nnewi for this thoughtful initiative,” he said.
Dame Virgy Etiaba has long been recognized as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics. Her tenure as governor marked a significant milestone in the history of female leadership in the country, and her contributions continue to inspire many. With the street now bearing her name, her legacy is cemented in the very fabric of Nnewi’s landscape.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Obi Ogidi of Uruagu, Obi Bennet Okafor of Umudim; Mr. Innocent Okolie, president-general of Uruagu community; and Honourable Echezo Anazodo, the newly elected chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Council. All present lauded the chairman’s efforts in preserving the town’s heritage through this symbolic gesture.
Hon. Anazodo, in his remarks, noted, “Leadership is about legacy, and today we are witnessing the celebration of a legacy that will inspire us all. Dame Etiaba’s leadership paved the way for many women, and we are proud to honor her while she is still with us.”
The event was a reminder that honor is best given not just in memory of the dead but in celebration of the living. Dame Virgy Etiaba Street now stands as a testament to her enduring contributions and the respect she commands both within Nnewi and beyond.
As Nnewi continues to develop, this gesture reinforces the importance of remembering those who laid the foundation for progress. For Dame Etiaba, this street will forever symbolize her dedication to public service and the deep admiration of her people. GMTNewsng
