Alanyingi Sylva

Uduak Alanyingi Sylva, popularly known as Alanyingi Sylva, is a Nigerian administrator, philanthropist and former First Lady of Bayelsa State. She served as First Lady from 29 May 2007 until February 2012 during the administration of her husband, Governor Timipre Sylva. During her tenure, she promoted women's empowerment, maternal and child health, and campaigns against childhood pneumonia through public advocacy initiatives.

Early life

Sylva was born in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

Public life

As First Lady of Bayelsa State, Sylva championed programmes aimed at improving the welfare of women and children. She advocated for the inclusion of pneumonia vaccines in Nigeria's National Immunisation Programme and supported initiatives promoting women's economic empowerment and peacebuilding in the Niger Delta.

She serves as Chairperson of the Centre for Gender Values and Culture.

In 2021, she received the Humanitarian Person of the Year award at the Focus Africa Awards in recognition of her humanitarian activities.

Personal life

Sylva is married to politician Timipre Sylva. They have three children.