Ochekpe was born on October 4, 1961, to the family of Ali Reng Madugben in Foron, a district of Barikin Ladi Local government area of Plateau State.

She also has post graduate qualifications from Aberdeen College of Commerce and Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

She is married to Professor Nelson Ochekpe from Otukpo Local Government in Benue State.

Ochekpe occupied several directorial roles in National Orientation Agency (Nigeria), before her ministerial appointment.

[1] During her time in government, she is noted to have increased the level of accessible water for Nigerians to 70%, and created and rehabilitated artificial waterways that reduced flooding and alleviated unemployment.