Stella Oduah

Stella Oduah: Biography and Political Career **Early Life and Education** Stella Oduah (born Stella Adaeze Oduah-Ogiemwonyi) was born on January 5, 1962, in Akili-Ozizor, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Oduah pursued her higher education in the United States, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master's degree in Business Administration. She returned to Nigeria in 1983. **Career Progression and Achievements** Upon returning to Nigeria, Oduah began her professional career by joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). In 1992, she left the NNPC to establish her own business, Sea Petroleum and Gas Company Limited (SPG), where she served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Oduah's entry into government and public service began when she served as a key political strategist during the presidential campaign of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. Following his victory, she was appointed the Minister of Aviation, serving from 2011 to 2014. During her tenure, she oversaw significant modernization projects across Nigeria's airports, including the remodeling of several international and domestic terminals. She also spearheaded reforms aimed at improving aviation safety and infrastructure maintenance in the country. After her ministerial service, Oduah transitioned into legislative politics. In 2015, she was elected as the Senator representing the Anambra North Senatorial District under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). She successfully secured re-election in 2019. During her time in the Senate, she focused primarily on oversight duties related to public procurement, aviation, and social development. **Current Status** Stella Oduah completed her tenure as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Anambra North, in 2023. She remains an influential political figure and businesswoman in Nigeria, active in various community development initiatives, particularly within Anambra State.