Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo
About Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo
Ipalibo Gogo Banigo has been Senator for Rivers West since 13 June 2023, elected on the Peoples Democratic Party platform in her first term in the National Assembly. She succeeded Betty Apiafi, who did not seek re-election.
Born on 20 December 1952 and educated at Queen's College, Lagos, Banigo qualified as a medical doctor at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and holds a master's degree from the Harvard School of Public Health along with diplomas from the University of London. She spent her professional career in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, serving as Director of Public Health Services and later Director-General, and was Deputy Governor of Rivers State from 29 May 2015 to 29 May 2023 under Governor Nyesom Wike, the first woman to hold that office in the state.
As of August 2026 she remains a serving PDP senator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the senator for Rivers West senatorial district?
Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo represents the people of Rivers West senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly. The senator serves a four-year term and is one of three senators from Rivers State.
When was Ipalibo Gogo Banigo born?
Ipalibo Gogo Banigo was born on 20 December 1952, which makes she 73 years old.
What state does Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo represent?
Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo represents Rivers State in the South-South geopolitical zone in the Nigerian Senate. Each state in Nigeria has three senators, one for each of its three senatorial districts.
What is Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo's religion?
Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo is a Christian. Religious identity is not a legal qualification for senatorial office in Nigeria, but it is often reflected in constituency representation across the country's diverse zones.
What does a Nigerian senator do?
A senator is a member of the upper chamber of Nigeria's National Assembly. Senators make federal laws, approve presidential appointments, ratify international treaties, oversee the executive arm of government and advocate for the interests of their senatorial district. The Senate has 109 members in total.
Government of Rivers State
- Governor
- Siminalayi Fubara
- Senators
- Olaka NwoguOnyesoh Alwell
- House of Reps
- 13 members — listed on the Rivers State page