T
he 30 years so far in the life of Akwa Ibom, has marked an often-overlooked upsurge in the number of women who have broken the chord of backwardness and ventured into the realm of greatness. Following in the steps of great women like now deceased politician and woman activist Dr. Emma Brown, and Nigeria’s lady of songs, Christie EssienIgbokwe, Akwa Ibom women have stepped out of the shadows of suppression and second-class citizenship to excel in an increasingly competitive society.
Lady Valerie Ebe assumed the second highest position in the state when she emerged Deputy Governor. This was after three women – Mary Obot, Rita Akpan and Grace Ekong – had taken turns as Secretary to the Government. Similarly, the State has had back-to-back female Chief Judges in Eno Otu and Idongesit Ntem-Isua. Beyond the state, the likes of Rita Akpan, Helen Esuene and Akon Eyakenyi have served in the Federal Executive Council. Esuene has also served in the National Assembly, as have Eme Ekaette and As the state celebrates her 30th Anniversary, these Owoidighe Ekpoattai. numerous Akwa Ibom women who have held aloft womanhood in several areas of human endeavour are Away from Government, Akwa Ibom women have also worthy of acknowledgement. demonstrated capacity as professionals globally and in corporate Nigeria. Uduak Udom currently leads the World Council of Optometry, while Iquo Uko and Uto Ukpanah have served on the boards of multinationals. Dorothy Ufot, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Aniema Medekong-Enahoro, a pilot, have dared in male-dominated territories. Akwa Ibom produced a female University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Comfort Ekpo. Also in the academia, Imeime Umanah begins her tenure as President of the Harvard Law Review, the world’s most widely read Law Journal. In entertainment, Aity Dennis-Inyang and Esther Edoho have held their heads high in music while Regina Askia blazed the movie trail for the likes of Liz Benson, Obot Etuk, Nse Ikpe, Ini Edo, Ini IkpeEtukudo, Annie Idibia and Eve Esin, amongst others. And in sports, Cynthia Uwak, Esther Sunday and Aniekeme Alphonsus are doing the state and country proud.
By Josephine Bassey
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