The Rt Hon Dame Esther Uduehi, KSG, PhD, LSM, FNIM, JP, is a distinguished Nigerian public figure with an impressive professional and political background. She was born as Esther Ebinum in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government, Delta State, Nigeria. Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous accomplishments and held various esteemed positions.
Dame Esther Uduehi’s educational journey began with a BA (Hons) in English and Philosophy, which she obtained from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 1970. She continued her studies and earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology and Curriculum Development from the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 1975. Later, she pursued an MEd in Curriculum Development and Education Administration at Temple University in Philadelphia, USA, in 1980. Her academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Benin in 1985.
Dame Esther Uduehi started her public service career as a graduate teacher, steadily rising through the ranks to become a school principal. She then transitioned to the Administrative Cadre of the Civil Service of what was then Bendel State, Nigeria. In 1978, she made history by being appointed as the Chief Executive of Orhionmwon Local Government, becoming the first female to hold such a post in Nigeria. She faced various challenges during her tenure, demonstrating her problem-solving skills and leadership abilities. In 1986, she made another significant achievement by becoming the first woman in Nigeria to head a broadcast outfit when she was appointed as the Sole Administrator of the Bendel Broadcasting Service. She served in the Civil Service until 1991, voluntarily retiring as a Permanent Secretary.
Outside of her public service career, Dame Esther Uduehi has held numerous boardroom appointments in private and public quoted companies, serving as a director or chairman. In 1991, after retiring from the Civil Service, she established her management consulting company, Estadel Consults. She also ventured into politics and has remained an active politician to this day.
Dame Esther Uduehi’s notable positions include serving as the Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on National Assembly Matters from 1999 to 2003 and chairing the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult, and Non-Formal Education from 2013 to 2015. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a member of the Advisory and Peace Building Council of Delta State.
Furthermore, Dame Esther Uduehi has received various honors and titles throughout her career. In 2005, she and her husband were honored by the Pope with the Equestrian Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great. She now serves as the National President of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists in Nigeria. She is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a member of the Royal Institute of Public Administration (UK), the London Poetry Society, the International Alliance of Women, and the New York Women Forum.
Dame Esther Uduehi is known for her commitment to gender equality and women empowerment. She founded and serves as the President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILoWV), which operates in all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The organization aims to economically and politically empower women while fostering solidarity among women fighting for their rights.
Aside from her professional and political endeavors, Dame Esther Uduehi is actively involved in various charitable and social organizations. She holds honorary positions in Rotary International, Inner Wheel, and Zonta International Club of Benin. She is the founder and President of the Niger Delta Women’s Forum and the Chief Executive of the Peace and Good Governance Initiative (PEGGI). She has authored Five books and
published several articles in Journals. She is a life member of the Nigerian Institute
of Management Chartered.