Virginia Etiaba spent 35 years as a teacher and headmistress, shaping young minds across Kafanchan, Aba, Port Harcourt, and Nnewi. Even after retiring in 1991, she remained committed to education, founding the Bennet Etiaba Memorial Schools in honour of her late husband.

In March 2006, she was sworn in as Anambra State’s deputy governor, but by November, a political crisis changed everything. When Governor Peter Obi was impeached, she stepped into history as Nigeria’s first female governor, taking charge at a critical moment. She immediately focused on infrastructure, launching major road projects and enacting the Anambra State Child Rights Act to protect children from abuse.

Months later, when Obi’s impeachment was overturned, she stepped aside to resume her role as deputy—but her place in history was already secured.