Betta Edu, born on October 27, 1986, is a Nigerian politician who held the position of Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. She faced suspension due to allegations of transferring over 585 million naira (approximately £500,000 or $640,000) from the government to a personal bank account. Before her resignation in 2022, she served as the Cross River State Commissioner for Health and was the National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. Additionally, Betta Edu was the national women's leader for the All Progressive Congress.

Dr. Betta Edu

Background and Education

Betta, hailing from Cross River State, graduated from Federal Government Girls College, Calabar, in 2001 and obtained her medicine and surgery degree from the University of Calabar in 2009. She holds a Ph.D. in public health from Texila American University, a master’s from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and a postgraduate diploma from the same institution.

Political Career

In 2015, Betta became the youngest Special Adviser on Community and Primary Healthcare to Governor Benedict Ayade. She led the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce in 2020 and became the National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum. Betta was elected as the APC's youngest national woman leader in March 2022.

During the 2023 elections, she pledged 35% affirmative action for women under President Bola Tinubu. Betta received accolades for gender inclusion and women’s empowerment, and President Tinubu proposed her as Cross's first female minister in July 2023.

She assumed office as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in August 2023.

Controversies

In 2020, Betta faced allegations of publishing misleading ventilator photos. The Nigerian Medical Association's Cross River state chapter passed a vote of no confidence against her during the COVID-19 outbreak. In 2022, accusations of procedural misconduct arose during her campaign for the APC’s National Women Leader. President Tinubu suspended her as the minister on January 8, 2024, pending an inquiry into an alleged ?585 million scandal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Personal Life

Details about Betta Edu's private life are limited, but she is known to be married with children.

Net Worth

Betta Edu's estimated net worth is approximately $500,000 as of 2023.

Social Media Handle

Instagram: @dr_betta