Betta Edu Biography: Early Life, Career, Controversies, Husband, Net Worth
Betta Chimaobim Edu, also known as Betta Edu (born October 27, 1986), is a Nigerian medical doctor and politician. She was the National Women’s Leader of the All Progressive Congress. She was the Cross River State Commissioner for Health until her resignation in 2022. She was also the National Chairman of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum.
Betta Edu Biography
Betta Edu, a Nigerian politician born on October 27, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, was raised under the guidance of her parents. Her father, Emmanuel Eke, is an entrepreneur, and her mother’s name is Mrs. Eke. Betta Edu comes from a Christian family in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, and is one of five siblings, including a twin brother. She grew up in Calabar and went on to study at the famous University of Calabar.
Edu finished her secondary school at Federal Government Girls College in Calabar in 2001, and she earned her first degree in medicine and surgery from the University of Calabar in 2009. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, a Master’s Degree in Public Health for Developing Countries from the same institution, and a Doctorate in Public Health from Texas American University.
Career
Betta Edu began her political career in 2015, when she was appointed as the Cross River State Governor’s youngest Special Adviser on Community and Primary Healthcare. Her perseverance and ability won her the title of Chair of the Cross River State COVID-19 Task Force in 2020.
Betta played a critical role in properly handling the state’s pandemic-related difficulties. During a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the prestigious Presidential Villa in Abuja in July 2023, the Women Leaders of the All Progressives Congress from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory gave her a vote of confidence. This unanimous endorsement highlights Edu’s tremendous accomplishments and undeniable leadership abilities, establishing her as a significant figure within the APC party.
Betta Edu received the Award of Excellence in Leadership from the Maryam Babangida National Center for Women’s Development and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria in July 2023, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to promoting gender inclusion and empowering women, children, and vulnerable groups in the country. The Federal Government of Nigeria, led by DG Asabe Vilita Bashir, played an important part in granting this distinguished award.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Betta Edu for minister in a historic decision made when the Nigerian Senate unveiled its ministerial nominees in July 2023. This landmark decision positions her as the first female minister representing Cross River State and the youngest minister of the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria in the Fourth Nigerian Republic.
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However, on January 9, 2024, an important event occurred when Betta Edu, then the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, was suspended owing to charges of engaging in illegal financial activities. This development has provoked significant reactions and conversations among Nigerians, with many voicing their views.
Controversies
In 2020, Edu was accused of publishing false photographs of ventilators. The Nigerian Medical Association’s Cross River State chapter voted no confidence in Edu following claims of professional malpractice during the COVID-19 outbreak. Edu argued that the vote of no confidence was political. Edu was accused of procedural wrongdoing in 2022, while running for APC National Women’s Leader.
On January 8, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dismissed her from her job as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation for allegedly diverting ₦585 million in ministry funds to a personal bank account. President Tinubu requested that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conduct a thorough inquiry.
The subsequent investigation revealed widespread theft of public funds. The EFCC’s chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, stated in April 2024, “As it is now, we are investigating over 50 bank accounts that we have traced money into.” The EFCC seized approximately ₦600 million from each of Edu’s bank accounts, totaling around ₦30 billion across 50+ accounts. According to a BBC report, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recovered an equivalent of $24 million from accounts reportedly related to Edu. As of the EFCC’s April 2024 update, Edu was neither formally charged or discharged from her post.
Awards & Nominations
- Nigeria Quintessential Woman Award, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (2020)
- Award of Excellence, National Youth Council of Nigeria (2020)
- Medical Expert of the Year (2020)
- Award of excellence in Gender inclusion, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (2023)
Personal Life
Betta Edu is married to Mr. Edu, and they enjoy raising two children together. Their marriage partnership has lasted over 14 years.
Betta Edu Net Worth
Betta Edu, a highly skilled professional from Nigeria, is estimated to have a net worth of around $600,000. This estimate includes her substantial salary as Commissioner of Health, as well as any prospective revenues from prudent investments or successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @dr_betta
- Twitter handle: Betta Edu (@edu_betta)
- Facebook: Dr Betta Edu
- Linkedin: Betta Edu
