Early Life & Education
Born on 18 January 1965 in Ipoti Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria .
Attended St. George’s Anglican Primary School (Ijero Ekiti), Emmanuel Anglican Primary School (Ado Ekiti), Christ’s School (Ado Ekiti), and Had a year of A-Level studies at Ondo State College of Arts and Science .
Earned a B.Sc. in Optometry (University of Benin, 1986), an M.Phil. in Ocular Pathology (University of London, 1994), and a Doctor of Optometry (University of Benin, 2002). She was the top graduate in her Doctor of Optometry class and received the A. H. Bygott Postgraduate Studentship Award .
Professional Career – Optometry & Public Service
Worked at the 445 Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Lagos as Chief Optometrist and Ocular Pathologist for over two decades .
Founded Enny Eye Care, a successful private eye clinic in Lagos with branches in Ikeja and Ikoyi .
Held leadership roles in the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), including Chairperson of the Lagos branch (2005–2012) and Secretary of Save a Sight and Vision Foundation; earned accolades like Optometrist of the Year, NOA Chairman of the Year, Eye-care Personality of the Year, member board of Trustees of NOA 2010-2023 and became NOA Fellow in 2011 .
Political Career in Ekiti State
Appointed Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology (Dec 2010 – Jan 2013) and later Commissioner for Environment (Feb 2013 – Oct 2014) in Ekiti State .
As Education Commissioner, she facilitated reforms such as the merger into Ekiti State University and re-establishment of the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti. As Environment Commissioner, she championed forest regeneration, reduced illegal logging, and improved forestry-generated revenue .
Became the first woman in her party to win through a competitive primary to contest for the House of Representatives in 2015 .
Diplomatic Career
Served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary (Oct 2017 – Apr 2021), with concurrent accreditation to Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Presented credentials in Hungary (Dec 2017), Bosnia & Herzegovina (Feb 2018), Croatia (May 2018), and Serbia (June 2019) .
Became Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands (from May 2021 – December 2023), also serving as Permanent Representative to the OPCW and engaging with institutions like the ICC, ICJ, CFC, and PCA .
Multilateral Engagement & Candidacy for OPCW Leadership
Nigeria nominated her for Director-General of the OPCW; she brings nearly four decades of experience combining scientific insight with diplomacy .
Held significant roles at the OPCW: Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Council (Africa Group), Chair of the Chemical Industry & Article VI Cluster, and Chair of the 99th Executive Council session .
Her vision includes promoting universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention, modernizing the OPCW’s operations, fostering inclusivity, concluding unresolved issues (like Syria), strengthening verification, and leading with integrity .
If elected, she would be the first African and first woman to serve as OPCW Director-General .
Philosophy, Awards & Personal Life
Diplomacy guided by the “4 I’s”: Image building, Inclusion, Investment, and Innovation; she also champions a Citizens’ Charter for Nigeria .
Numerous awards include Distinguished Ambassador (Afe Babalola, 2019), Best Ambassador (African Forum, 2021), UNIBEN Hero, Elegance Magazine Best Commissioner (2012), and Distinguished Alumnus of UNIBEN .
Active in youth empowerment, education, writing (author of “Mastering Diplomacy” and other publications), church ministry supporting families, and a motivational voice .
Married to Dr. Adegboyega Oke and a mother to distinguished children.
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