Duru's Biography
Professor Sandra Chidinma Duru, FICA, Dr.FCIHRM, anipr, FSM, Dr.PPA, Dr.BAM, DFAISM, DFIPMA, BSc, MSc, PhD, 43, widely known as Prof. Mgbeke, is a multifaceted Nigerian entrepreneur, media strategist, life coach, and political activist. Born on August 16, 1982, in Shomolu, Lagos State, Nigeria, the dynamic native of Umunakwa in Ezumoha autonomous community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, has built a fierce reputation for empowerment, accountability, personal transformation, and speaking the truth to power, no matter whose ox is gored.
The United States-based Nigerian creative writer, and media influencer is a renowned industrialist, political consultant, and social advocate. Fondly remembered and best known as the President and Executive Director of the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization (PAAO), Prof. Duru is also a multidisciplinary scholar, media scientist and communications expert, and social justice advocate with over a decade of experience in public relations, practical business development and management, public policy and administration, investigative journalism, and gender studies.
At the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization (PAAO), a United Nations-recognized NGO, she focused on youth empowerment, and through PAAO, she launched impactful initiatives including "Bare It Out! With Sandra Duru,” a youth-centered TV show launched in 2015, The Unity and Peace Project (2016-2020) which championed the cause of promoting national peace and unity across Nigeria and Africa, and others.
An accomplished author of over eleven published books and several research papers and thesis including "Soul Tonic: A Daily Motivational & Inspirational Guide" (Volumes 1 & 2), "Voice Of Nature: My Life & Daily Chronicles" (Volumes 1 & 2), "Unheard Screams: The Hidden War On (Wo)men", “The Laws They Twist: Gender Weaponization and the Persecution of Men,” “Mgbeke’s Guide to Healthy Living and Wholesome Food,” “Silent Achievers: The Tribe That Builds Without Noise,” “LIE-TASHA: The Symphony of Deceit (Spoken Word Companion Book),” “From Village Girl To Global Voice (Memoir),”“Strategies To Actualizing Students And Youths Support Trust Fund – Providing Solutions To Unemployment, Violence, And Education Problems In Nigeria (Research Paper),” and others, she is a prominent voice in African (wo)men’s rights advocacy and a thought leader bridging academic research and social impact.
Also well known for merging scholarship with activism and community engagement, Prof. Duru has built a diverse industry and career spanning business, media, real estate, hospitality, and politics while serving as a Principal Consultant for multiple reputable and top government institutions such as the Standards Organization of Nigeria, Police Service Commission, and others.
A clear and unforgettable example of her personality is highlighted by her notable recent controversial exposé, where she alleged, with irrefutable evidence, that suspended Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan tried to entice, arm-twist, and emotionally enlist her and some other Nigerian women to weaponize the female gender against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, through false accusations.
Senator Natasha leveled false accusations of sexual harassment and organ harvesting against Senator Akpabio, and maliciously incited the public against the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government and other Nigerian political leaders. She also publicly insinuated and alleged that most Nigerian men are sexual predators, and that the government doesn’t value and support women.
Prof. Duru resolutely stood against these false claims and gender weaponization tactics because they not only cast the image and government of Nigeria and her men in a dangerously bad light but also endanger the sanctity of men while putting genuinely innocent and endangered females at the risk of being ignored whenever they cry for help in society against such atrocities. Her work reflects a blend of resilience, entrepreneurship, and activism, making her a notable figure in contemporary Nigerian society.
Her political affiliations and outspoken nature have occasionally drawn public scrutiny. She initially gained national attention for her involvement in the political scene, especially for playing a notable role in the election of Rochas Okorocha as Governor of Imo State, Nigeria, in 2011.
While she has maintained a positive image in most circles, her proximity to power and influence in political campaigns has attracted both praise and criticism. However, there have been no major public scandals or legal controversies directly tied to her name.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Duru as the last child of eight children, she excelled in her primary and secondary education in humble conditions.
She is from a home where love and unity exist based on good Christian fundamentals. Her parents love her so much, and she has a very good relationship with her siblings and the rest of the family.
Prof. Duru is a humble, simple, kind, God fearing, unpredictable, and fearless woman. Through the hard times, she became strongly determined to live a far better life than anyone could imagine for her. She made a solemn vow to God, promising to play a significant role in improving the standard of living of several underprivileged members of our society if HE lifted her out of poverty without abuse of any sort.
As a high school student of Eva Adelaja Girls Secondary Grammar School, Gbagada, Lagos State, Nigeria, she initiated a program called Secondary School Students National Education Association (SSSNEA). This association organized several workshops, seminars, conferences, debates, and study clubs in schools nationwide. The association over time evolved into Sanchhy de Youths Organization, which engaged actively in publicly discussed youth-centric issues such as puberty, teenage pregnancy, abortion, STDs, teenage/adolescent challenges, and personal hygiene.
By 15, she had concluded her secondary education and joined a Lagos-based Non-Governmental Organization (Action Health Incorporated Youth Centre) as a youth employee. While there, she worked as a Youth Counselor and the Participatory Video Communication Officer. She spent a year with Action Health Incorporated and moved to Robin Joseph, another Non-Governmental Organization, as a Programme Officer and Research Executive. As an employee at Robin Joseph, she was also contracted to Dayspring Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization involved in the eradication of cultism in Nigeria, as the National Youth Coordinator and Youth Counselor.
Within two years after her secondary education, she had worked with three Non-Governmental Organizations. However, in a very short time and the course of her work, she became increasingly concerned about the limited access Nigerian youths have to health information and education about the myriad of ailments affecting them. She thus set out to gather and disseminate relevant information that would improve the quality of life of the Nigerian pre-adults.
Professor Sandra Duru, in the spirit of philanthropy, donated supplies to Little Saints Orphanagewith Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN)
She realized that working out problems with people's affairs and empowerment was only a partial solution to their problems. Arising from this, she established the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization (P.A.A.O.) in September 1999 at the age of 17 with the slogan, “Building Potentials And Providing Qualitative Care For Young People”.
The Pre-Adult Affairs Organization is a pioneering non-governmental organization dedicated to identifying, developing, and enhancing the required human resources, idea, talent, vision and resources to effectively educate young people and effectively assist in the development of Nigerian youths currently through vocational skill training, award of scholarships, support schemes, family integration services and information, education and communication.
Professor Sandra Duru receiving the Community Philanthropic Award at Koada 2006, presented to her by Oba Azeez Olayeni Dada Aluko, the Onidimu of IdimuLand (Left), and having an interview with reporters during the event (Right)
The organization is also dedicated to improving the health, education, and general well-being of the young people in Nigeria by creating awareness and implementing public education, ranging from self-management and growing up to innovative health care programs.
Prof. Duru holds a BSc and MSc in Public Administration from the ESCAE University in the Republic of Benin, and a PhD. in Public Policy and Administration from the African American University (USA). She possesses renowned and proven expertise and competence in media science, investigative journalism, broadcasting, conflict resolution and negotiations, and public relations, among others.
Prof. Duru cut her teeth in the media quite early by producing and presenting a radio program on Star 101.5 FM, “Case Study Live,” and a TV program on MITV, “Youth Round Table”. She has also organized, financed, and facilitated a number of youth-oriented programs within and outside Lagos State, Nigeria.
During her employment at Action Health Incorporated, she scripted videos which were based on youth problems and solutions, and these include:
Well renowned as the Host of two popular shows: "Bare It Out With Prof. Mgbeke," and "TUFF Connect With Sandra Duru," she is also the founder of Mgbeke Media, a widely followed and ardently read online platform delivering daily motivational content, news commentary, and self-improvement resources to audiences, followers, and readers worldwide. As founder of “Tribe of Silent Achievers, ”Prof. Duru also hosts the “Mgbeke Talks” podcast, and she is the organizer of “Healing Through Food & Advocacy Retreat” (U.S. & Nigeria).
Her recent media and documentary productions include:
She is the President and CEO of Sanchhy Nigeria Limited, a company offering Project Management and Development services, Integrated Maritime services and Consultancy, Manufacturers' Representative, Franchising Consultancy, and Branding.
Her other business establishments as President and CEO include Zest Media & Entertainment, Nigeria, Excellence Cables and Electronics Company, Mgbeke Group, Mgbeke Village Hut LLC, The Wenetly Leadership Institute, Wenetly Business School, The Unique Family Foundation (TUFF), Mgbeke LLC, and Mgbeke Media Publishing, among several others.
She also provides media and public relations consulting, life coaching, strategic leadership training, and civic engagement workshops, while consistently collaborating with government agencies, public and private sector organizations, and NGOs on youth empowerment, prison inmate reformation, welfare, and educational outreach programs.
In November of 2013, Professor Sandra C. Duru was conferred with a doctorate by the UN-AUGP (Academy of Universal Global Peace). Thus, she began to be referred to as High Chief Dr. Sandra C. Duru.
Another Doctorate was conferred on her by the European American University in 2014 (Doctor of Humane Studies), and, in the course of her pursuit of youth development, she has also received numerous other awards and succeeded in positively affecting the lives of countless young people in Nigeria, Africa, and across the world.
In response to the demand for development in the local areas, Prof. Duru founded the Three "O" Zone Community Development Initiative, a non-governmental organization registered in Nigeria with the aim of fostering development in the rural areas of the three zones in Imo State, Nigeria.
One of her companies, Mgbeke LLC, is an integrated multi-dimensional organization that offers professional insights on Organic Herbal/Nutritional supplements, Business Management and Development Consultancy, Financial Consultancy, Educational Consultancy, Entrepreneurship Development Training and Consultancy, Talent Development and Acquisition Services, and Media/Public Relations Services. It is registered in the United States of America.
She is also the President of The Unique Family Foundation (TUFF), a United Nations-recognized non-governmental organization registered in the United States of America. The Unique Family Foundation (TUFF) was created specifically to foster socio-economic development among our youths, students, women, and families in need around the world.
Prof. Duru is vast in International and Diaspora Relations and Negotiations with professional associates spread across the globe.
Her awards, professional memberships, and participations include, but are not limited to the following:
She has also been honored with various traditional titles, including:
These titles reflect her recognition in both the Igbo and Yoruba communities in Nigeria for her remarkably selfless humanitarian efforts and leadership.
Over the years, Prof. Duru has also acquired a number of skills through the plethora of local and international training courses she has attended. Some of these include:
She has worked with various agencies and bodies as Chief Executive Officer and as a Consultant. Some of these include:
Some of her research interests also include, but are not limited to, the following:
Professor Sandra Duru with the Late Minister, Communication of South Africa in 2008.
Professor Sandra Duru with the Chairman of Commonwealth Business Council: Dr. Mohan Kaul.
Professor Sandra Chidinma Duru has a very interesting philosophy. In her words, “I have always described myself as a peculiar pacesetter that never conforms to the norm. Those standards widely adopted as norms today were set by a select few who dared to dream and be different, and the whole world now follows in their footsteps. That is why my story and journey through life, uniquely crafted by God, and all my experiences, pains, bales, trials, and eventual victories all attest to this fact. I am unique. I believe in originality. I do not know how to fit into the trend and never will!”
If anyone could make being broken look beautiful, it is her. Her strength keeps her going, and she believes in every inch of this universe. She loves life with all her heart, and it loves her right back. Hence, she’s always been essential in other people’s lives.
Regarding academic prowess as relating to actual human ability and competence, Prof. Duru says, “I do not believe certificates truly reveal the worth and abilities of a person. I believe in what can be termed ‘Universal Education and God's wisdom’. I believe in developing my potential naturally instead of investing in what I refer to as 'mere certificates'.
To me, developed knowledge and practice are more powerful, lucrative, and beneficial for a nation. I do not believe a piece of paper is capable of determining what one can do, and to me, what one can do with their initiative is all that matters, and that is what makes me who I am. I believe in my conscience, what I feel, and what I can see with my own eyes as results and as actions. I do not believe in policies and the law of any land because, to me, they are sometimes designed to manipulate people and cannot give real justice because the truth can be perverted, and an innocent soul can therefore be punished for no just cause. I strongly believe in God, unity, one love, and great success.”
With every sense of sincerity, she will say, “I don’t know what spirit is leading me.”She makes this honest confession because she is sometimes appalled by her successes, since she cannot easily fathom how her abilities and attitude towards success came about and how she is able to pull through enormous challenges that confront her from time to time. Knowledge and understanding of certain matters that will cost many people years and huge sums of money to acquire have been acquired by her through observation and careful thinking.
This and many more has led to a number of tribulations which also led to her detention at the maximum security prison in Kirikiri, Lagos State, Nigeria because she refused to bow to a group of persecutors who considered her too young to own businesses of their magnitude at her age, and were also being unhappy with the fact that she is a lady.
Personal remarks by staff and youth members of the Pre-Adult Affairs Organization have stated that Prof. Duru was born to create. She is very creative and competitive, imaginative, articulate, focused, and highly results-oriented in everything she does. She is obstinate and has no apologies for that. For her, fear and failure never have room for consideration, and she constantly demands that of those who work with her.
To date, Professor Sandra Chidinma Duru has never relented in her efforts to work towards the interest of the pre-adults of Nigeria. Her next major step is extending the reach of her Non-Governmental Organization to other nations worldwide, and with all she has accomplished to date, that dream is by no means far-fetched.
An amazing Life Coach, Media Scientist & Strategic Communications Expert, Public Relations Consultant, Branding & Reputations Management Guru, Education Consultant, Psychologist, Information Strategist, Herbal Medicine Practitioner, and Motivational Speaker, she is also an astutely gifted Talent Discovery, Public Policy & Administration Advisor, Development & Management Consultant, and an Infinite Solution Provider to general life issues. She also doubles as a Certified Career Counselor, Certified Democratic Leadership Trainer, Certified Lobbyist & Negotiator, and Life & Business Strategist.
She has three children. A ferocious lover and a protector, she’s courageous and incredibly strong, and has faced more struggles than other people can ever imagine.
Some are born great. Some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. In the case of Professor Sandra C. Duru, she has achieved greatness. In her short years, she is a woman of substance who has achieved much more than most people her age and older, only hoping to achieve if given more time. She has accomplished nothing short of genius, considering her humble beginnings.
Driven by her insatiable hunger for positive change and unwillingness to be just a bystander waiting for the situations that appall her to change themselves or for some imaginary figure to come and someday effect that change that she so desires to see, she has systematically charted a course in her life that can effectively appropriate that change in her nation, her generation across the globe, among the youth, mothers, and women in general and also the less privileged in the society. Being a stickler for proper analysis, she has, over the years, taken courses, attended programs, and conferences in different countries worldwide.
This is a lady who has dared to be different, where most are unwilling to let go of the norm of the day, and she has an almost childlike approach to achieving great results, never giving up, where many others before her have failed in even seeing hope.
She does this with a fearless persona that exudes her most exemplary character and ability to focus. This ability made her accepted as a consultant to the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON). There, she exhibited her strong convictions to get things done right by training the operatives of SON in various aspects of their jobs so they can more effectively carry out their duties and rid our great nation, Nigeria, of fake and substandard goods, which, in many cases, endanger the life and health of our citizens.
This tenacity of hers has not come without its pitfalls. In carrying out her duties, she rocked the boat of many who would rather have business as usual in the various operations of the SON. This led to accusations that saw her arrested by the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria) and the SSS (State Security Service, Nigeria) on trumped-up charges. She was in prison for about 3months, and all her documents and business dealings were investigated. It was all to no avail against her, though, because all the charges were dropped for lack of evidence and for being blatantly false accusations.
Her company, SANCHHY (NIG) LIMITED, was given a clean bill. After all the investigations, the trauma of the prison ordeal has served to give her company and herself the credibility they deserve. This also renewed her vigor to do more to achieve instead of dampening her spirit.
It is by knowledge that we acquire wisdom, not by age, and this is especially true in the case of Professor Sandra C. Duru, a revelation for our time, who challenges us to be the change we want in our society.
Professor Sandra C. Duru can be likened to Joseph, who, in the face of trials, tribulations, and betrayal (from those closest to him), remained resolute, believing in God's providence and promise for a bright future. She has had her fair share of trials with the security agencies: Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), which reprimanded her in prison six times for charges she knew nothing about.
Even while in prison, like Joseph, who made the prison a lively place, she made sure the welfare of the prisoners was improved throughout her stay in prison. However, this period was a trying time in her life; she remained excited and high-spirited, assured of victory.
Also like Joseph, who in the long run was the savior of the family because he forgave those who offended him and caused him pain, Prof. Duru has forgiven and has come out victorious and now is back, resilient, and stronger to make a positive impact in the lives of youths worldwide. Just as the saying goes, “when the going gets tough, the tough gets going", she stands as a role model for all youth. She has a clean profile with all the falsified and bogus charges against her dropped.
She stands in awe of God's power, grace, and mercy, which have brought her this far through thick and thin.
Women born in August are protective and dedicated mothers. The desire for fame could also make them overbearing while trying to live through their children's accomplishments. Women born in August are stunning, intellectual, and magnetic, and attract others with their enthusiastic solar power.

They are naturally gifted and are usually attracted to professions involving the arts, public life, medicine, research, management, and any endeavors that could offer them a chance to shine. I once discussed this with her, and she gave me a remark that I found fascinating and expressed the core of her being. I quote: “Any business that does not involve what we eat or has no life involved, I don’t get interested.” Just as the Sun's rays penetrate the depths of the rainforest, you were born with the potential to bring and promote life to all you touch. You have a lot to offer others and the world.
You are fixed and strongly motivated by the will to succeed. Strong and dominant, you nurture a formidable desire to organize and lead others and courageously handle all life's difficulties.
We all tend to be weak and accident-prone in the back, knees, and joint areas: President Clinton was born in August and broke his knee in Florida! A word of caution for those born in August: Use precaution and moderation when running or jogging.
Professor Sandra C. Duru, like the advanced Leo, possesses nobility of purpose and great spiritual values. She is an inspiration to her generation and a blessing to humanity.
While detractors try to “pull her down” (PhD), more honors are awarded!
Congratulations to you once again, Professor Sandra C. Duru, for the outstanding milestone you continue to accomplish.
All human rights activists across the world are behind you, Africa is proud of you, and Nigeria will continue to celebrate your exemplary leadership qualities and excellence.
Sandra obviously has no illiterate personality but rather is an educated woman leader in our society. Moreover, the last time I checked, no book or theory in the world states that “only the educated ones can be leaders or achieve greatness in any society”. Records have proven that most great leaders in the world weren’t the best students in their time. A very nearby example is our own Dr. Gani Fawenhmi of blessed memory; he wasn’t among the best law students during his time, and the list of other, likewise great personalities is endless.
Oprah Winfrey is divorced but doing great things for America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the world at large through her various humanitarian activities and programs. Sandra may also not have been lucky enough to have a successful marriage, just like millions of men and women all over the world. Still, she is positive and focused on empowering the youths and humanity and fighting corruption, social injustice, violence against (wo)men, abuse of public office/funds, etc. Therefore, I strongly advise that the mantra that she has been "divorced with a thousand children" be totally eradicated because it does not have any bearing on her, as the warrior queen still roars and cannot be thwarted or encumbered.
Professor Sandra C. Duru, well done on the latest honors bestowed on you recently alongside other great leaders and personalities in Nigeria.
Today, I want to celebrate a very good friend, Professor Sandra C. Duru, whom I have known and been friends with for many years. She is someone I know that I can vouch for because she is a very hardworking and extraordinary woman, and a true embodiment of perseverance and strength.

From her humble beginnings, which, of course, I know very well, she has risen to heights that not many dreamed of, proving that hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit can break any barrier. As a principal and reckless goal-getter, she exemplifies the essence of leadership. Her resourcefulness in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities has not only carved a path of success for her but has also inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
With her hands skillfully managing several successful business ventures, she stands as a beacon of motivation, innovation, inspiration, and resilience in both Nigeria and other countries, including the United States of America. Beyond her impressive achievements in the business world, she is also a renowned compassionate philanthropist. Her heartfelt commitment to uplifting those in need has transformed lives, turning the ambitions of the impoverished into the realities of thriving entrepreneurs. She understands that true success is measured not just by personal accomplishments but by the impact one has on the lives of others.
In every aspect of her journey, Professor Sandra C. Duru has shown that being a leader is about empowerment, uplifting communities, and fostering growth, as she continues to shine brightly in various business circles. I honor her, her contributions, and the legacy she is building for future generations.
Here is to a self-made lady who not only dreams big but also inspires others to dare to dream big as well. May her story continue to motivate and resonate with many, showing that with determination and heart, anything is possible. Professor Sandra Duru, I deeply appreciate you. God bless you.
Today, I want to celebrate a very good friend, Professor Sandra C. Duru, whom I have known and been friends with for many years. She is someone I know that I can vouch for because she is a very hardworking and extraordinary woman, and a true embodiment of perseverance and strength.

From her humble beginnings, which, of course, I know very well, she has risen to heights that not many dreamed of, proving that hard work, determination, and an unyielding spirit can break any barrier. As a principal and reckless goal-getter, she exemplifies the essence of leadership. Her resourcefulness in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities has not only carved a path of success for her but has also inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.
With her hands skillfully managing several successful business ventures, she stands as a beacon of motivation, innovation, inspiration, and resilience in both Nigeria and other countries, including the United States of America. Beyond her impressive achievements in the business world, she is also a renowned compassionate philanthropist. Her heartfelt commitment to uplifting those in need has transformed lives, turning the ambitions of the impoverished into the realities of thriving entrepreneurs. She understands that true success is measured not just by personal accomplishments but by the impact one has on the lives of others.
In every aspect of her journey, Professor Sandra C. Duru has shown that being a leader is about empowerment, uplifting communities, and fostering growth, as she continues to shine brightly in various business circles. I honor her, her contributions, and the legacy she is building for future generations.
Here is to a self-made lady who not only dreams big but also inspires others to dare to dream big as well. May her story continue to motivate and resonate with many, showing that with determination and heart, anything is possible. Professor Sandra Duru, I deeply appreciate you. God bless you.
Dear Professor Sandra Duru,
It is with profound and in-depth gratitude that the Executive Board and teeming members of NiMSA Family extend this appreciation to you for believing in us and for sending in a worthy representative.

Your representation at this epochal event has propelled us as medical students to strive for the pinnacle of Excellence in Medical Sciences. It is very instructive to note that no government or individual has devoted so much love, passion, and commitment to the students’ community by interacting and sharing knowledge on such a very friendly note as you are consistently known for.
Beyond your representation throughout our program, we also appreciate your renewed commitment to strengthening development in the health sector and your pledge to deepen synergy with our association further. It is our firm yearning that other leaders will take a cue from your modest yet outstanding, dexterous leadership lifestyle.
For an umpteenth time, we extend our warmest appreciation to you and your ever-supportive staff team. Please accept our unending gratitude. Many Thanks!
Bashir M. Maru
NiMSA National President.
Professor Sandra Duru receiving the Community Philanthropic Award at Koada 2006, presented to her by Oba Azeez Olayeni Dada Aluko, the Onidimu of IdimuLand (Left), and having an interview with reporters during the event (Right)