Hon. Prof Lilian Obiageli Orogbu born 1972, internationally known academic, astute administrator turned politician representing the people of Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and a Amazon of the 10th National Assembly. She was an academic and a professor of Business Administration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, holds a Doctorate degree in Business Administration and Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
In 2022, her entrant in politics on the basis of her popularity and call from many Anambarians to serve in government which got her the party’s nomination, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to be the running mate and deputy to the governorship aspirant, Chukwuma Umeoji. Hon. Umeoji who served at the national assembly had been listed as the party’s candidate for the governorship election but was later replaced by Prof Charles Soludo by the order of court. The emergence of Prof Soludo and his deputy as winners of the election was a clear indication that if not for the court judgement, Hon Prof Orogbu would currently be the deputy governor of Anambra State.
Her quest to serve forced her to contest and won Awka North/Awka South senatorial zone in 2023 under the LP ticket. She polled 34,713 votes to beat her major challengers, the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Obi Nwankwo who scored 24,814 votes, and the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Igwe who received 21,850 votes. Orogbu is one of only 17 women elected to the 10th National Assembly of 469 members comprising the Senate and House of Representatives. She became one of only 17 women elected to the 10th National Assembly and most qualified woman in the green chamber.
Before delving into politics, Hon Orogbu achieved remarkable success in the academia including serving as the Dean of the faculty of Management after being the Dean of Strategic Human Resource Management at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
Prof. Lilian O. Orogbu has served the University in many capacities, which includes Head, Department of Business Administration, a position she occupied for 5 years. She is a woman with awards and a long list of accomplishments. As an erudite Scholar, she has successfully supervised 19 Post Graduate students including 4 PhDs. She has occupied the Editorial Position of several Journals including Journal of Business and Finance Management Research and Journal of Social Development.
“She rose meritoriously through the ranks as a trainer of Business Administrators to become a Professor of Business Administration at the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
“Prof. Orogbu’s Eloquence, Teaching and Mentorship skills have earned her numerous speaking engagements from reputable Training Organisations and Governments from all over Nigeria and beyond including those from South Africa on diverse topics that range from Business Leadership and Entrepreneurial skills. As the Dean of a Faculty, She is Chairman, Board of Faculty of Management Sciences; She is Chairman Postgraduate Studies Committee, and Chief Administrative/Academic Officer of the Faculty of Management Sciences, UNIZIK.
“Prof. Lilian Orogbu is not just a University Lecturer, she is also into Business Consultancy and Brand Management. She has consulted for NAPIMS, a subsidiary of NNPC; Catholic Clergy, Anglican Clergy, Stanel Group amongst many other Organisations.
“Prof. Orogbu is a member, Nigerian Institute of Management and a member, Academy of Management Nigeria”.
Recently, the vibrant young Professor, in collaboration with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Management championed an ‘Alumni Homecoming and Award Night’ event with the theme: “Re-energising alliance with the Alumni and Society for Sustainable Development” under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Senator Annie Okonkwo, Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Uche Ogah, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development; the Keynote Speaker, Chief (Dr.) Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Airlines and HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Anambra State as the Royal Father of the day amongst other dignitaries in attendance.
Hon. Prof Lillian Obiageli Orogbu is passionate about inspiring women to excel in public service and enterprise, and continues to lead the advocacy for people focused Corporate Social Responsibility as the Chairman of the House Committee.
by Esther Ngwu, Aug-Oct 2023