Margaret Ekpo

Margaret Ekpo (née Okoroafor Obiasulor) was a pioneering Nigerian political activist, women's rights advocate, and nationalist leader. She is widely regarded as one of the most influential female figures in Nigeria's struggle for independence and post-colonial politics. **Early Life and Education** Margaret Ekpo was born on July 27, 1914, in Creek Town, Cross River State, Nigeria. Her father, Okoroafor Obiasulor, was originally from Aguluzigbo in Anambra State, while her mother, Inyang Eyo Aniemikwe, was a member of the royal family of King Eyo Honesty II of Creek Town. Ekpo received her early education in Creek Town and was raised in an environment that valued strong Christian principles and discipline. Her initial professional ambition was teaching, and she worked as a primary school teacher. In 1938, she married a medical practitioner, Dr. John Udo Ekpo. After her marriage, she pursued further education abroad, traveling to Dublin, Ireland, in 1946 to attend the Rathmine’s School of Domestic Economics. **Career Progression and Political Activism** Ekpo's journey into political activism began in 1945 when she attended a meeting to protest the inadequate wages for Nigerian chiefs and male workers at a local colonial administration-controlled hospital. Initially, she was invited as a substitute speaker for her husband, who was unable to attend. However, she was appalled that no women were present at the political rally. This event spurred her to found the Aba Market Women’s Association (AMWA) in 1946, mobilizing thousands of women to challenge exploitative colonial economic practices and advocate for their political inclusion. In 1950, Ekpo partnered with Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to protest the shooting of striking miners in Enugu, further cementing her national profile. She became a vocal member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), one of the major political parties advocating for independence. In 1953, the NCNC nominated her to the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, making her one of the few women in a legislative house at the time. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Margaret Ekpo's major achievements were rooted in her dedication to women's suffrage and economic empowerment. In 1954, she founded the politically influential Nigerian Women’s Union (NWU) and became a powerful voice for women's rights throughout the Eastern Region. Her efforts were instrumental in achieving universal suffrage for women in the Eastern Region of Nigeria in 1958, an achievement that was not matched in the Northern Region until decades later. In 1961, she was successfully elected to the Eastern Region House of Assembly, where she served as a legislator until the military coup of 1966. Throughout her political career, she continuously championed issues concerning women’s welfare, education, and representation in government. She was celebrated for her courage in confronting colonial authorities and her unwavering commitment to social justice. **Current Status** Margaret Ekpo passed away on September 21, 2003, at the age of 89. Her legacy as a fearless nationalist and champion of women's rights is honored in Nigeria. She received numerous national awards during her lifetime. In recognition of her contributions, the Calabar Airport in Cross River State, Nigeria, was renamed the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, making her the first Nigerian woman to have a public airport named after her. She remains a historical icon and a symbol of female political empowerment in Nigeria.