OBI MARTHA DUNKWA
Obi Martha Dunkwu, hailing from Okpanam in Delta State, was born on October 20 1956. She embarked on a journey marked by academic prowess and unparalleled dedication to public service. Her educational journey commenced at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, and continued at St. Murumba’s College in Okpanam, Delta State. She worked for some years in Ministry of Finance, Benin City, Edo state before going overseas to pursue studies at the LT.C. College of English and Secretarial Studies in London, England. She continued her academics at South West London College, Henderson State University in Arkansas, and the University of Nevada in the United States. Her parents were Ogbueshi Adimefe Dunkwu and Mrs. Comfort Ishakwue Dunkwu.
Obi Martha Dunkwu was honored with the titles of Omu of Okpanam on January 26th, 2002, and Omu Anioma on January 15th, 2010. Additionally, on October 7th, 1998, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, CFR, the Oba of Benin, bestowed upon her a special gift of Royal Beads (Ivie-Urhu-Beaded Necklace).
She’s a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (MNIPR), the Institute of Administrative Management (MIAM) in England, and an Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM). She’s served as the first female president of both the Asaba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ASACCIMA) and the Delta State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (DELCIMMA), which includes several chambers. Additionally, she’s been a pioneer Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA). She’s contributed to government initiatives, such as serving on committees for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and as a board member of the National Orientation Agency (NOA). In 2014, she was honored with the Anioma Man of the Year award by Anioma Trust Newspapers.
Obi Martha Dunkwu received numerous awards, including the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Edo and Enugu States Chapters’ Amazon and Merit Awards in 2010/2011. She received the Excellence Media Award from the Frontline News Media in the Southern Zone and the Cultural Ambassador Award from the Community Newspaper Publishers Association of Nigeria (CONPAN), Delta State Chapter. The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, honored her with the NUJ Prestigious Award, while the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs) presented her with a Special Recognition Award. In 2018, she was decorated as the Zero Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Ambassador. Additionally, she received the Lion of the Year and Two Star Fellow Awards from the Lions Club International, District 404 Nigeria. She was recognized as the Best Patroness for the 2014/2015 session by the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among many other accolades.
In 2001, Obi Martha Dunkwu was recognized by the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England, as one of the “2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century.” Excerpts of the award read: “The Oxford English Dictionary defines
intellectualism as the “Doctrine that Knowledge is wholly or mainly derived from pure reason” and it follows by saying that an intellectual is a person possessing a good understanding, enlightened person”. Surely, therefore, this definition is the reason for your selection to be included in this prestigious publication which is due for release in late 2001″. Obi Martha Dunkwu was granted “21st Century Award for Achievement and included in the WHO IS WHO IN THE 21st Century also by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England. On October 3rd, 2001 she became pioneer recipient of the Indomitable Spirit Award” Abuja. On 19th June 2005, Obi Martha Dunkwu was conferred Doctor of Science D.Sc degree (Honoris Causa) by Columbus International University, Virgin Island, United Kingdom. An Inductee, Nigerian Women Hall of Fame, Abuja, holder of many Traditional chieftaincy titles in Delta and Edo States and currently designated NNEOHA by the Nsukka Traditional Ruler in Enugu State, Patron, Media Correspondents’ Chapel of Edo State Council of NUJ.
Obi Martha Dunkwu served as a Media Relations Consultant to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, CFR, the Oba of Benin. She’s affectionately known among her media friends and colleagues as the “Royal Image Maker”. Recently, she founded the Obi Martha Dunkwu Foundation, focused on promoting girl-child education across the nine (9) Local Government Areas of Delta North Senatorial District (Anioma). As part of her commitment, she generously donated her Palace permanently to this Foundation.
Obi Martha Dunkwu embodies leadership grounded in conviction and fosters relationships built on fairness, loyalty, and trust. She’s a proven leader, media expert, motivational force, and efficient administrator. As an enterprising businessperson and royal image maker, she excels in public relations, crisis management, and information handling. She’s deeply committed to Nigeria’s leadership in the global community and has been honored with numerous awards. Personally, she’s a devoted mother to her son, Afamefune Dunkwu-Okafor, who is a lecturer at the University of Benin.
Obi Martha Dunkwu position on Culture
