Dr Ritamary Chiagozie Okoro was born into the family of Chief and Mrs Raphael Obioha in Okwuabala Ihioma Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
She attended Trans Ekulu Primary School. Federal Government Girls College Owerri and later The University of Nigeria Nsukka where she obtained the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1998.
After a year mandatory National Youth Service Corp, She was subsequently retained and secured employment with the Ebonyi State Civil Service in 2007 as a Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She held several leadership positions being at different time, Area Veterinary Officer, Zonal Veterinary Officer as well as State Desk Officer for the World Bank-funded Avian Influenza Control Project. It is notable that during her tenure at the AICP, major three major avian influenza outbreaks in the state were identified and curbed, and farmers were compensated.
It’s not surprising that she quickly rose to the rank of Deputy Director in the Ministry and was elevated to the rank of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She also served as Permanent Secretary in the Universal Education Board (UBEB).
Her extensive leadership versatility in the service was spotted and she was appointed the Head of Service of the State.
In addition to her core civil service track record, Dr Rita has served the state in several other public positions. These include Special Assistant to the Governor on Vocational Agriculture, Chairmanship of several State Executive Committees.
Her contributions and humanitarian services has been recognized with several awards by different organizations like The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (Esther of Our Time), Fellow of Institute of Public….., Titan of Veterinary Practice.
She is currently happily married with six beautiful children and grandchildren.
