Imphal, 21 August 2016 ( Evening News ) : Former Union Minister Dr. Najma Akbarali Heptulla was sworn-in as the 18th Governor of Manipur today to become the first woman Governor of the state. Dr. Heptulla was administered the oath of office by Acting Chief Justice of Manipur High Court Rakesh Ranjan Prasad at 11.40 am at the Raj Bhavan. Speaking to media persons, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla said the first thing she wants to know is the priority of the people of Manipur and appealed for support from the citizens of the state. Dr. Heptulla said she has brought the message of peace goodwill and love to the state. Dr. Heptulla said although Manipur is miles away from New Delhi it is very close to the hearts of President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 76-year old Heptulla had resigned as Minority Affairs Minister from the Union Cabinet last month. The resignation had come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is believed to have set an age bar of 75 years for ministers. Dr. Heptulla also served as former vice-president of BJP and a five time member of the Rajya Sabha between 1986 and 2012. She was the Deputy Chairman of the House for 16 years. Dr. Heptulla replaced Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan who was holding the additional charge as Manipur's governor. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Council of Ministers, Congress and opposition MLAs, MP Dr. Thokchom Meinya, Rajya Sabha member Mary Kom, BJP President and executive members, top police and civil officials attended the function. Former Union Minister Najma Heptulla arrived in Imphal yesterday afternoon.