OVATION for the WOMEN
As Nigeria celebrates democracy on May 29 akwaibominterest.com pauses, to give recognition to ten most outstanding women in Akwa Ibom State
ALLISON ATTAH , Chairperson, Child Development Trust, a Non Governmental Organization that has affected the lives of thousands of under privileged rural children in Akwa Ibom State, through provision of free health care services. Admiringly referred to as “Nneyin” (our mother) in the state, she is the wife of Governor Victor Attah.
RITA AKPAN , immediate past Minister for Women Affairs in Nigeria. She is the first woman from the state to attain such political height, and was once a secretary to the state government during the first tenure of Governor Victor Attah administration. She was also a cabinet member during the first civilian administration of Obong Akpan Isemin. Probably the most influential woman politician in Akwa Ibom today, Akpan still enjoys great following among the women folks within the South –south region of Nigeria.
HELEN ESUENE , Minister for Environment , widow of the late Military Administrator of the then South Eastern region, late Brigadier General U.J. Esuene. She has been outstandingly successful in her hospitality business in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Her nomination to the last National Political Reform Conference, and later her elevation to a federal ministerial position is being seen by many as an obvious political statement.
EME EKAETTE , one time president of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and former head of medical services, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Ekaette, an influential woman politician in Akwa Ibom, is said to have an eye for a seat in the Senate, Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. She is the wife of the secretary to the government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette.
IQUO INYANG, A two-time representative of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber. Inyang, a former beauty queen, has an awesome political might in Akwa Ibom State.
IME ESSIEN UDOM , foremost legal practitioner in Akwa Ibom state and the leader of the state delegates to the just concluded National Political Reform Conference in Abuja. Udom is the first female Chancellor in Church of Nigeria (Anglican Church, Uyo, Diocese). She is also said to be nursing political ambition for the senate.
HELEN ATAKPO , an all time most valuable woman leader and activist in Akwa Ibom State. Her title Akwaobongawan (a great Female Chief) speaks volumes of her position amongst the women folks in the state. She is a founding member of the National Council of Women's Society (NCWS), and its president for nine years, and the only woman in Ibibio to hold the esteemed title of Obongawan Ikpaisong. Atakpo holds a Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) from Muskegon Bible Institute Inc.,Indianapolis,Indiana, USA.
HELEN UKPABIO, Actress and Movie Producer, Clergy,Founder and Leader of Liberty Gospel Church. Hers is one of the fastest growing churches in Nigeria, with branches spread across the country. Through her gospel crusades, Ukpabio has made profound impact on thousands of lives, and has inspired many to accept Christ.
CHRISTIANA ESSIEN IGBOKWE , Nigeria’s Lady of Songs. With a legendary record of achievements. The Chairman & Managing Director - Soul Train Entertainment Ltd is Past President - Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, the nation's musicians union. She has won the prestigious Africa Music Mother (1984) and Nigerian Lady of Songs Award. One of her hit tracks is most widely recognized as the unofficial anthem of the Akwa Ibom State.
CHRISTY OBOT , Media Executive, Zonal Manager of Nigeria Television Authority, NTA. She was a Commissioner for Information and Culture during the military administration of Navy Captain Joseph Adeusi in 1996.
