Chief (Lady) Augustina Ovueraye is a highly resourceful educationist whose sterling contribution to the development of education in Nigeria is widely acknowledged. Her expansive educational outfit namely Ladybird Educational Centre which is located in the city of Port Harcourt thrives with all of Daycare, Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools.

Born 69 years ago in Akotogbo, Ondo State, to Chief & Mrs. Felix Gbenedio of Agbarho Kingdom in today’s Delta State, she grew up across Nigeria due to her father’s transfers as an officer in the Ministry of Agriculture. Her educational journey began at St. Matthews Primary School, Benin City (1958), continued through several schools, and culminated in a First School Leaving Certificate from NBC School, Warri (1964). She attended the prestigious Our Ladies High School, Effurun-Warri, earning her West African Secondary School  Certificate in 1969, followed by an OND in Secretarial Studies from Mid-Western Technical College (now Auchi Polytechnic) in 1971.

The young Augustina joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria in 1971 as a Secretary, rising steadily until 1978 when she relocated with her husband to East Malaysia and later the Netherlands. During this period, she pursued Childhood Education at the London Montessori Teacher Training College (1983) and later earned a Nigeria Certificate in Education (Management) from the University of Ibadan – Port Harcourt Campus. A lifelong learner, she mastered dressmaking, cake making and decoration, flower making and interior decoration while abroad.

Upon returning to Nigeria, she served as Secretary/Administrator at Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja, before transitioning into education—a career shift designed to support her family. She taught at Federal Government College Staff School, Abuloma (1984–1991) before founding Ladybird Educational Centre in Port Harcourt in 1998. The school now thrives with Daycare, Nursery, Primary, and Secondary sections, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing young minds. Despite multiple international relocations with her husband, Chief Sir Diamond Ovueraye—whom she married in 1972—she consistently placed motherhood and family above all, sacrificing professional continuity for unity and stability.

A devout Catholic, she was baptized, received First Holy Communion (1966), and confirmed (1968) at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Warri. A pillar of faith, she has served as Marriage Counselor at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rumuokwurusi since 1999, held leadership roles in the Legion of Mary, Charismatic Movement, Knights of St. Mulumba (LSM)—including President of Stella-Maris Sub-council (2007–2013)—and earned Life Membership in the Diocesan CWO (2003). She remains a patron of multiple church societies and an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Agbarha-Otor.

In 2007, she was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ayesiri of Agbarha Kingdom (“The Virtuous Woman”) by the King of Agbarha-Otor, and in 2008, received a parallel chieftaincy from the King of Agbarho Kingdom, honoring her meritorious service. In 2019, she was a recipient of the prestigious Woman of Merit Gold Award by People & Power. Blessed with six children (one daughter, five sons) and five grandchildren, she continues to inspire as a wife, mother, educator, and community leader.

It was in recognition of her Sterling Contribution to Nation Building in the Sphere of Education that Chief (Mrs.) Lady Augustina Ovueraye was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Nigerian Achievement Award.