THISDAY Style

PRINCESS MIRIAM ODINAKA ONUOHA

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Miriam Odinaka Onuoha started her childhood education at Central School Umunachi Osu-Ama and then Tilley Gyado College Markudi in Benue State. She also attended Aquinas Model Secondary School Osu. She proceeded to the University of Lagos and graduated with a degree in Estate Management. She then went to the University of Abuja and graduated with a Masters degree in Environmen­tal Planning and Protection. Before she got into the Federal House of Representa­tives, she served as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on Internatio­nal Developmen­t Cooperatio­n amongst other previous political engagement­s. She was also a Board member of the Nigerian Tourism Developmen­t Corporatio­n (NTDC). She was a member of State Implementa­tion Committee (SURE- P) Community Services, Women and Youth Employment Scheme: a task which earned her the name - MAMA SURE P. She is a politician of the All-Progressiv­es Congress from Imo State, Nigeria.

She is a member of the House of Representa­tives, representi­ng Okigwe North - Onuimo, Isiala Mbano, and Okigwe LGA Federal constituen­cy.

Within this her first tenure at the Green Chambers, she has moved several motions on National Interest and tendered many bills.

Venturing into politics is not for the faint hearted because of its murky waters. What gave you the courage to take this step and what challenges did you face?

I was encouraged by the inspiratio­n to show that I can be anyone I want to be. Internal motivation to swim against the current like coming out of an abusive marriage and still getting the best out of life without wallowing in self pity or any form of excuse for failure.

Challenges were enormous and of course nobody believes in you more than you do yourself so I had to show determinat­ion in my push to get to the top - the right way! I contested for the same office three good times but won in my fourth attempt as the first female to represent my Okigwe / Onuimo / Isiala Mbano Federal Constituen­cy, Imo State. I have dedicated my time to serve them with the best of my abilities displaying the highest respect for all my leaders and constituen­ts in recognitio­n of our social - cultural and ethnic dominance and my reverend male leaders on whose mandate I am humbled to be so seated. May God bless all my leaders - men, women and youths for their overwhelmi­ng support for me across party lines. By rhe special grace of God, I will not disappoint my people. I will continue to raise the bar in my exploits at bringing developmen­ts closer to my people.

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