Owanari Duke

Owanari "Onari" Duke (née Bob-Manuel) is a Nigerian lawyer and business executive. She served as the First Lady of Cross River State from 1999 to 2007 during the administration of her husband, former governor Donald Duke.

She has served as Chairperson of Dizengoff Nigeria and as a non-executive director of United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Early life and education

Duke was born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Ahmadu Bello University in 1983 and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing her studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1984.

She is from the Bob-Manuel family of Abonnema in Rivers State.

Career

Duke practised law before moving into corporate governance and business leadership.

As First Lady of Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, she supported programmes in education, women's development and social welfare.

In September 2018, she was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Dizengoff Nigeria.

She was later appointed a non-executive director of the Board of United Bank for Africa.

Personal life

Duke is married to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke. They have children, including Xerona Duke.