In pursuit of women’s inclusion in the top hierarchy of the Federal legislative arm of government, women drummed support for the candidature of Princess Miriam Odinakachi Onouha for the office of Speaker, House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.
Onuoha, who hails from Umunachi Osu-Ama in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Onuohawho was recently re-elected to represent the good people of Okigwe-North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in answer to the call of Pro- Women Group, a non-governmental organization.
Onuoha, who obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Protection (MEPP) from the University of Abuja, was prior to her previous election into the Federal House of Representatives, had served as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on International Development Co-operation amongst other previous political engagements.
Before her appointment as SSA to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, she was a Board member of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and also a member of the State Implementation Committee (SURE- P) Community Services, Women and Youth Employment Scheme, a task which earned her the name, MAMA SURE P.
The Pro-Women Group enjoined all the House of Representatives members-elect to support the amiable personality, Onuoha, for better performance and improved Executive – Legislative relationship.
Persecondnews recalls that women inclusion in Nigerian political space in the National Assembly has never attained 5% hence need to augment the dwindling number and poor representation of women in Principal/ Presiding Officers.
A peek into Onouha’s bio-data shows that she is a disability right activist and pioneer Chairman, House Committee on Disabilities and has championed the cause of disability inclusion in Nigeria.
She attended Central School, Umunachi Osu-before proceeding to Tilley Gyado College, Makurdi in Benue State and later moved to Aquinas Model Secondary School, Osu where she earned her Senior Secondary School Certificate and then gained admission into the University of Lagos where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Estate Management.
Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha was first elected into the House of Representatives on the 25th February, 2020 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) .
During her first tenure in office , she sponsored relevant and Impactful motions and bills which includes the Establishment of Federal College of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Sciences, Isiala Mbano LGA; Federal College of Horticulture, Okigwe; now pending at the Senate for concurrences and Presidential assent.
The Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe Bill has just been concurred by the Senate and she also raised a motion for the completion of abandoned Federal Housing Estate Eziama which has been approved and work just commenced by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. She has attracted countless Federal projects to her constituency.
Her free adult literacy program currently ruining in 37 learning centres accord her Federal Constituency has improved livelihoods while restoring the confidence which comes with literacy.
A woman of impeccable character and result-driven person, Onuoha’s enduring desire to serve her people made her contest for the House of Representatives repeatedly on three different unsuccessful occasions but never gave up; no doubt her fourth attempt saw a win which has redefined representation in Okigwe North Federal Constituency making her the first woman to serve her people in that capacity.
Her coming on board if elected as a Presiding Officer in the House of Representatives would bridge the current gender deficit in the National Assembly.
A loving wife and mother, Onuoha is blessed with four lovely children and is a trailblazer as well as an employer of labour with vast knowledge in asset management, a core supporter of women and a broad knowledge in key national and topical issues as well as conflict resolutions, peace building and gender mainstreaming.
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