Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, a renowned Nigerian businesswoman and politician, currently serves as the Minister of State for Labour and Employment. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed her, and the Senate confirmed the appointment. Born in Isuochi, Abia State, on November 23, 1969, she is presently 53 years old and will turn 54 later this year.
In her early life, Onyejeocha faced challenges after her mother’s tragic death in an accident. Her father, Eze Bob Ogbonna, remarried, leaving her to grow up with her grandmother. She is now married to High Chief (Sir) Kingsley Onyejeocha.
For her education, Onyejeocha started at Isuochi Central School for primary school and then attended Isuochi Secondary School. However, after class three, she transferred to Ovim Girls High School. She graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and earned a Master’s from Imo State University.
Onyejeocha had financial struggles during her university years. In an interview, she recounted how she often couldn’t afford tuition fees but managed to raise money for hostel accommodation. She resorted to skipping meals and dodging school authorities checking for fee receipts. Fortunately, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, did not deny her education. After graduation and youth service, she paid her fees to obtain her certificate.
After her husband became bedridden following an armed robbery attack, she ventured into the clearing and forwarding business. She served as the Managing Director of Nikkings and Kingzol International Ltd, a family-owned company specializing in baby and household items.
Onyejeocha’s involvement in student unionism and politics during her undergraduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, marked the beginning of her political career. She was first elected to Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives in 2007 on the PDP platform. She has since served four terms, becoming a ranking member of the House of Representatives.
Her political journey included working in the protocol office of Osun State’s governor during her Nigeria National Youth Service in 1993. She was also the Transition Executive Chairman of the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
In 2019, she was elected as the House of Representatives member for the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi constituency and served as the deputy chief whip of the House. Unfortunately, she lost her re-election bid in the 2023 general elections to Chief Amobi Ogah, the Labour Party (LP) candidate.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha continues contributing to Nigerian politics and was recently appointed Minister of State for Labour and Employment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 16, 2023.
