By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Senator (Lady) Uche Lilian Ekwuife (Iyom) stands tall as an Amazon in leadership and a shining embodiment of womanhood rooted in virtue, faith and selfless service. Widely admired across Anambra State and beyond, she represents the true definition of a virtuous woman whose life, values and accomplishments continue to inspire many within and outside the political space.
Graceful in character and firm in conviction, Senator Ekwuife is celebrated not only for her outstanding achievements in public service, but also for her deep sense of responsibility to God, family and society. She embodies a rare blend of beauty, humility and fear of God—qualities that have endeared her to people from all walks of life and earned her respect across generations.
As a proud daughter of Igbo- Ukwu, Senator Ekwuife has consistently projected the values of her people through her conduct and leadership style. Her life reflects love that is genuine, joy that is authentic, faith that is unshakeable and godliness that is lived daily. These virtues have made her a pillar of strength to her family, a devoted wife to her husband, Chief Larry Ekwunife (Ochendo), a loving and exemplary mother to her children, and a worthy ambassador of Anambra State on the national stage.
Distinguished Senator Uche Lilian Ekwuife is a celebrated Nigerian politician, an accomplished banker, a visionary leader and a renowned philanthropist whose career embodies service, resilience and transformational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Accounting from the University of Calabar, a Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s degree in Business Administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a PhD in Public Administration from Atlantic International University (AIU), Hawaii, USA.
A firm believer in continuous learning, Senator Ekwuife has undertaken several executive and leadership training programmes locally and internationally at institutions such as Harvard Business School, Lagos Business School, the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and IBFC Agusto Training, among others. She is also a Chartered Accountant and a respected member of several professional bodies, including ANAN, NIM (Chartered), HCIB, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIMARK). In recognition of her contributions, she was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate by the Institute of Journalism, Management and Continuing Education, Enugu.
Before venturing into politics, Senator Ekwuife distinguished herself in the banking sector, rising rapidly through the ranks from Branch Manager at Standard Trust Bank to Area Manager and later Head of the Public Sector Unit at United Bank for Africa (UBA). Her exceptional leadership and performance earned her the prestigious Young Banker of the Year Award in 2001.
Her political journey began in 2007 when she was elected into the House of Representatives to represent Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia Federal Constituency, where she served two consecutive terms. During her tenure, she held several key leadership positions, including Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, and Leader of the Anambra State and APGA Caucuses. She also served on numerous standing and ad hoc committees and national assignments, contributing significantly to legislative development and policy formulation.
In 2015, Senator Ekwuife was elected into the Nigerian Senate to represent Anambra Central Senatorial District, making history as the first woman and first South-Easterner to chair the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream. She returned to the Senate in 2019 with a historic landslide victory across all seven local governments of Anambra Central, further affirming her people-centred leadership. In the 9th Assembly, she chaired the Senate Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, where she achieved a landmark feat by securing first-line charge funding for NASENI after 33 years.
Beyond legislation, Senator Ekwuife has distinguished herself as a transformational leader in philanthropy and grassroots development. Through her Youth and Widows Support Scheme, she has built over 38 houses for widows and vulnerable persons. Her scholarship programme, established in 2001, has supported over 10,000 beneficiaries, while her empowerment initiatives have facilitated employment for more than 1,000 youths and attracted numerous federal and community projects across Anambra State.
Her outstanding service has earned her over 1,000 awards and honours, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), bestowed on her in May 2023, as well as several chieftaincy titles from traditional rulers across Igboland.
Colleagues and constituents alike describe Senator Ekwuife as a woman of uncommon courage—one who combines compassion with firmness, empathy with resolve, and leadership with grace. In a society yearning for integrity-driven leadership, she has remained steadfast, proving that effective leadership can coexist with strong moral values and deep faith.
As the world continues to celebrate impactful women, Senator Uche Lilian Ekwuife stands out as a timeless symbol of strength, virtue and inspiration—an Amazon whose enduring legacy continues to uplift her family, her community and Anambra State at large.