Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo is a distinguished Nigerian politician and public servant with a remarkable career spanning several decades. Born into the family of Chief Caywood Brown Harry of Obuama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, she demonstrated academic excellence from an early age, earning the West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate at Queens College, Lagos. Her academic prowess was further evident in her achievements at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, where she obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and later at Harvard University School of Public Health, where she earned a Master’s Degree. She also holds diplomas in Tropical Hygiene and Dermatology from the University of London.
She has made a lasting impact through her various roles and achievements. As the Senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Rivers State, Chairman of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and a member of the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Banigo has been a strong advocate for healthcare reform and regional cooperation.
Dr. Banigo’s career in public service began in the Rivers State Government Civil Service, where she held various key positions, including Registrar of Births, Senior Medical Principal, and Director Public Health Services. She made history as the first female Deputy Governor of Rivers State, breaking barriers and paving way for gender inclusion in leadership.
As a dedicated public health professional, Dr. Banigo held key positions in the Rivers State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, including Acting Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Director-General, and Permanent Secretary. Her leadership led to significant improvements in healthcare delivery across the state.
Dr. Banigo’s exemplary service was recognized through her appointment as the first female Head of Civil Service of Rivers State and later as Secretary to the Rivers State Government. She spearheaded key initiatives, including serving as Chairman of the Rivers State Relief Committee and contributing to the Rivers State Hospital Management Board.
Beyond her roles in the civil service, Dr. Banigo’s influence extended to national and international arenas. She served as Project Director for the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and as an Honorary Consultant Dermatologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Banigo’s commitment to education and healthcare is evident in her involvement with various academic and healthcare institutions, including serving on the Governing Council of the University of Calabar and the Governing Board of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. Her contributions were recognized internationally through her membership on the Reference Board of the Department for International Development (DFID).
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Banigo has embodied excellence and service, earning her the admiration and respect of colleagues and constituents alike. Her legacy as a trailblazer and visionary leader is a shining example of dedication and commitment to public service.
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