By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu, Sarkin Ban Gona, Zonal Director Media and Publicity North West, Betta Edu New Media Center
Betta C. Edu, a dynamic Nigerian politician, has ascended through the ranks to become a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. Born on October 27, 1986, she currently holds the esteemed position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Her journey to this influential role has been marked by dedication and a strong commitment to public service.
Hailing from Abi Local Government Area in Cross River State, Betta Edu’s educational journey began with the completion of her secondary education in 2001 at the Federal Government Girls College, Calabar. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Calabar, where she obtained her first degree in medicine and surgery in 2009.
Edu’s commitment to public health and development led her to pursue further education. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, a master’s degree in Public Health in Developing Countries from the same institution, and a Doctor of Public Health from Texila American University.
In 2015, Betta Edu made history by becoming the youngest person to be appointed as Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Cross River State, Benedict Ayade, with a focus on Community and Primary Healthcare.
In 2020, she assumed the role of chairman of the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce. This pivotal position underscored her ability to lead and manage critical healthcare initiatives.
In August of the same year, Edu’s dedication to public health earned her the appointment as National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, a position that recognized her as a leading authority in the field.
Edu is a Fellow of the Royal School of Public Health and the African Institute of Public Health Professionals, reflecting her commitment to advancing public health standards in Nigeria.
In March 2022, Betta Edu achieved another milestone in her career when she became the youngest National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This demonstrated her growing influence within the political landscape of the country.
As the APC National Women Leader during the 2023 Nigerian general elections campaign, she assured women of a 35 percent affirmative action from President Bola Tinubu, a testament to her advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights.
Her contributions and leadership were further recognized when the state Women Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all 36 states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passed a vote of confidence on Betta Edu. They expressed their support during a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in July 2023.
In the same month, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Maryam Babangida National Center For Women Development and the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, awarded Betta Edu the prestigious Award of Excellence in Leadership for her dedication to championing the cause of empowering women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
July 2023 marked another significant moment in Betta Edu’s political journey. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated her for a ministerial position as the Nigerian Senate unveiled 28 nominees for ministerial appointment. This historic nomination made her the first female minister from Cross River State and the youngest minister at the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria in the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
In August 2023, Betta Edu was sworn in as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. Her remarkable journey from a local community in Cross River State to a national figure highlights her dedication to public service, women’s rights, and her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians. Her story is a testament to the potential of dedicated and driven individuals in the political landscape of Nigeria.
