In accordance to the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of our great party, as well as the INEC Guidelines, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe's candidature along with mine, has been duly submitted to INEC, through the National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
The association between Lady Chidi's family and mine goes a long way back; and to my earliest childhood memories. More importantly, Lady Chidi comes to this state and national assignment with rich personal accomplishments, impeccable credentials and high pedigree. A learned person, she is a Lady of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Dioceses and the first daughter of former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.
Lady Chidi is a graduate of Law from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. She also bagged her Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and Duquesne University, Pittsburg in the United States, respectively. In academia, she had a brief stint as an Adjunct Professor of Finance in Florida, USA. Currently, as a private citizen, her focus has been in Real Estate Law Practice and International Business.
She is a promoter of excellent and qualitative education, and has a great passion for the advancement of women affairs and for female gender mainstreaming in Governance. Accordingly, she has run a foundation that is critically focused on development of human capital via education. Lady Chidi also had the opportunity and privilege in the past to serve this country as the Chairman, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority and also as Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
You will all agree with me that Lady Chidi has the requisite administrative experience to drive our broad vision of taking our dear state to the very zenith where it truly deserves to be. Her experience on Small and Medium scale enterprises is vital to our vision of creating employment for our large number of teeming youths and also for women empowerment. I am glad about these qualities that she is bringing on board and I must say it's a privilege to have her on our team. She is certainly among the very best, because Anambra deserves the best.
As deputy governor, Chidi will be my partner in turning Anambra state around and returning her to the trajectory, where the state is not just working, but will be an example that other states must seek to emulate. Furthermore, her selection is a strong public pronouncement of my commitment to gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and a 60-40 targeted ratio in political appointments. I look forward to our collaboration and shared responsibilities in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to our people in Anambra State.
Lady Chidi is happily married to Engr. (Dr.) Okey Onyemelukwe of Nnewichi, Nnewi. Their union is blessed with five children.
It is my most distinct honour and pleasure to present to you the next deputy governor of Anambra State, Lady Chidi Alexandra Onyemelukwe. [End]
