Udueme Ejime
As Delta State prepares to swear in Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Igho Babigha-Ehimen as thel new Head of Service today, 29th October, 2026, the State is not just appointing a Civil Servant, rather it is crowning a trailblazer whose 33-year career has been defined by breaking barriers.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of Delta State Civil Service – a journey from the forests to the apex of bureaucracy.
Dr. Babigha-Ehimen’s story is one of firsts. Born on 7th May 1967 in Burutu, to renowned educationist Mr. Stephen Macaulay Babigha of Odorubu Town, Patani LGA, she made history in 1993 as the first female Forestry Officer ever employed in the Delta State public service.
Nearly two decades later, she repeated that feat, serving from 2012 to 2019 as the first female Director in the Department of Forestry – shattering a glass ceiling in a profession traditionally dominated by men.
A product of a family where all five children are graduates, her academic journey reflects relentless pursuit of knowledge, from Opukabu Primary School, Patani (1971-1977) to Anglican Girls Grammar School, Ozoro (1978-1983)
Later, from Bendel State University, now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (First Degree, 1988) to the University of Ibadan where she bagged a Master of Science degree in Forest Resource Management in 1997.
Still not satisfied with the quest of knowledge, she proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka, where she obtained her PhD and thereafter to Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu (Diploma in Christian Missions, 2014)
She is also a Fellow of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FFAN) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria.
Before joining the civil service, she had brief stints as Agricultural Assistant at AGRO Adoted Nig. Ltd, Benue State (1988-1989) and Marketing Management Trainee at Lennards Nigeria Plc, Lagos (1990).
Her public service career began in 1992 at the Delta State Agricultural Development Programme as Subject Matter Specialist in Agro-Forestry. Her diligence earned her transfer to the Ministry of Environment upon its creation, and steady rise through the ranks.
In recognition of her capacity, former Governor Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa appointed her *Permanent Secretary on 18th October 2019*. She served in the Ministry of Urban Renewal until June 2026, before her deployment as Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service – a strategic posting that prepared her for today’s elevation.
Beyond forestry, Dr. Babigha-Ehimen has left footprints in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, oil-spill impact assessment, and women’s empowerment through non-timber forest products.
She served on the Steering Committee of the Niger Delta Biodiversity Conservation Project, chaired the Forestry Association of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, and was recognised as a *Distinguished Forester*. She is a recipient of the Integrity in Professionalism Award (2017) and Meritorious Service Honours Award (2018).
A born-again Christian, part-time lecturer at Life Theological Seminary, Warri, and marriage/youth counsellor, she believes public service is service to God. Her guiding principles: humility, simplicity, respect for authority, loyalty, consideration for subordinates, and dignity of labour.
She is married to Evangelist Andrew Ehijele Ehimen, a retired staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and their union is blessed with children.
Analysts see her swearing-in today as more than a routine succession following the retirement of Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji. It is:
1. A reward for 33 years of unblemished, pioneering service.
2. A proof that competence, not gender, defines leadership in Delta State.
3. A technocrat with deep knowledge of forestry and environment now heads the engine room of government.
As she takes the oath today, Dr. Charity Igho Babigha-Ehimen carries not just the hopes of the civil service, but the inspiration of young women across Delta State that barriers can be broken with diligence, integrity and faith.
