Esther Onyekesi
Esther Onyekesi | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development | |
| Appointed by | Governor Charles Soludo |
| Preceded by | Mrs. Ify Obinabo |
| Personal details | |
| Party | All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) |
| Nickname | Adaejiejemba |
As of 6th May, 2026 | |
Esther Onyekesi is a Nigerian politician. She is a grassroot woman political mobilization activist and the Woman Leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State Nigeria.[1][2]
Career
Madam Esther was appointed as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, in May 2026. Her name was included in the list of nineteen (19) nominees as Commissioners and submitted to the Anambra State House of Assembly for screening and approval.[3][4] Hence, her appointment took over from the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Ify Obinabo.[5][6]
According to the Anambra State government terms of reference on the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the body is “responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs aimed at promoting the welfare, empowerment, and protection of women and children in Anambra State. The ministry addresses issues related to gender equality, child rights, social welfare, and the overall development of women and vulnerable groups. It plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of women and children, providing support services to those in need, and coordinating efforts to address social issues that affect the well-being of the state's population. The ministry works with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, to achieve its objectives and create a more equitable and inclusive society.”[7]
It should be remembered that Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi is the mother of late Martin Onyekesi, a business man known as ‘Fish Magnet, who was kidnapped and killed in 2025.[8][9] Her son's death brought a lot of controversy and protest, which Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as Very Dark Man, championed. However, according to reports, Mrs Onyekesi "stood her ground, insisting, it had nothing to do with politics."[10][11][12] During the condolence visits on her son's death, she narrated that, “they waited for him as he returned home. The moment he stepped out of his car to open the gate, they struck. I believe it was a planned attack.”[13]
References
- ↑ "Onyekesi: APGA woman leader set for assembly screening as commissioner for women affairs". Blueprint. Abuja, Nigeria. 6 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ "HON MRS ESTHER CHINYERE ONYEKESI FELICITATES WITH HON STANLEY NKWOKA ON HIS BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY - Fides Media". 13 October 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Ezeifeoma, Ejiofor (6 May 2026). "Anambra Assembly to Screen Soludo's 18 Commissioner Nominees - Voice of Nigeria". Voice of Nigeria. Archived from the original on 7 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Collins, Chuks (5 May 2026). "Soludo nominates 19 commissioners to State Assembly for screening". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Onyeka (10 May 2026). "Former Women Affairs Commissioner 'Obinabo' Signs Off, Promises To Keep Fighting For The Forgotten". Anambra people magazine. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ "Anambra: Soludo drops ex-prominient commissioner, appoints Fish Magnet's mother in new cabinet's list". Blueprint. Abuja, Nigeria. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Movement, Nigerian Liberty. "Government LibertyApp". Government LibertyApp. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ "Esther Chinyere Onyekesi Nominated as Anambra Commissioner for Women Affairs - Naija Feminists Media". 6 May 2026. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Exclusive, Apex News (9 May 2026). "Anambra Governor Soludo appoints mother of slain businessman as women affairs commissioner". Apex News Exclusive. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Chukindi, Joe (5 May 2026). "Soludo appoints mother of slain 'Fish Magnet' as Commissioner for Women Affairs". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ Apanpa, Olaniyi (5 May 2026). "Mother of Late 'Fish Magnet' Gets High-Profile Appointment from Anambra Govt - Legit.ng". www.legit.ng. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
- ↑ TSJ Reporter 3 (6 May 2026). "Soludo appoints slain businessman's mother as Anambra commissioner for women affairs". streetjournal. Retrieved 31 May 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Reporter, Our (15 August 2025). "MetroFish Magnate: Mother Speaks on Son's Killing, Clears Governor Soludo of Blame". National Trail Newspaers. Retrieved 31 May 2026.