Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu was born on July 20, 1953 to the family of Chief B.U.B (late) and Nneoma Dora Anyanwu in Emeabiam, Owerri West local government of Imo State, Nigeria.
She graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1977 with a BSc. Zoology. In 1986, she obtained her MSc. Fisheries ( major in Aquaculture) from the University of the Philppines, Iloilo. She is a firm believer in continuing education regardless of age which she demonstrated by going back to school (University of Ibadan) in 2016 for MPH in Health Promotion & Education (graduation in view).
She is the Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), a leading NGO that is galvanizing action against breast cancer in Nigeria through public education, patient support, advocacy and research. BRECAN was started in 1997 after her experience with breast cancer when she decided to do something that would bring about positive and lasting change in the Nigerian society that has deeply entrenched misconceptions about what causes breast cancer and how it can be treated. She has won numerous awards nationally and internationally in recognition of her work and commitment in the fight against breast cancer in Nigeria.
With her unprecedented humanitarian disposition and concern for family and societal development, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has given herself in service to others through her private foundation, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) so as to touch more lives.
She has displayed passion in advancing and promoting literacy in children through programmes such as Reading is Fun, Essay Competition and Spelling Bee Competition. She is also committed to advancing the economic status of women, nurturing the interest of young girls in ICT and solar energy technology in order to bridge the gender gap in STEM, developing talents in arts and sports, promotion of improved sanitation in schools and communities and inclusive quality education for the Deaf. Furthermore, she has, singlehandedly, championed greater participation of women in politics at all levels as well as promoted gender equity in governance. In 2017, she launched a two hundred million naira (N200 million) crowdfunding to provide financial aid to indigent breast cancer patients in Nigeria.
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is a commercial fish farmer who also provides consultancy services under the business name, Aquatek Farms Ventures. She nurtured her career as a fisheries expert while working with the Federal Department of Fisheries and retired voluntarily in 2005 after 28 years of diligent service.
In addition, she has made a foray into politics since 2007 and active in the present dispensation.
She is married to Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and blessed with four wonderful children and four grand children. She is widely travelled and her hobbies include reading, gardening, sewing, music, jogging, tennis and yoga.
