Margaret Ekpo’s name resonates with courage, resilience, and a burning desire for justice. She was not just a woman of her time; she was a visionary who saw the world as it could be, rather than how it was. In an era when colonial rule dominated Nigeria and women were relegated to the shadows, Margaret Ekpo emerged as a beacon of hope, challenging the status quo and shattering societal barriers. Her story is one of defiance and determination—a journey from a quiet upbringing to becoming a powerful force in the fight for Nigeria’s independence and the empowerment of women.
Born on July 27, 1914, in Creek Town, Cross River State, Nigeria, Margaret Ekpo was the daughter of Okoroafor Obiasulor, a native of Agulu-Uzo-Igbo in present-day Anambra State, and Inyang Eyo Aniemewue, an Efik woman from the Cross River region. This unique blend of Igbo and Efik heritage exposed her to diverse cultural influences from an early age, fostering a deep appreciation for Nigeria’s rich ethnic tapestry.
Margaret’s early education began at the Convent School in Creek Town, where she exhibited a keen intellect and a passion for learning. Tragically, her father’s untimely death in 1925 posed significant challenges to her educational aspirations. Undeterred, she completed her primary education in 1931 and proceeded to the Teachers’ Training Institute in Calabar, earning her teaching credentials in 1934. Her early experiences instilled in her a profound understanding of the societal constraints faced by women, particularly in accessing education and economic opportunities.
In 1938, Margaret married Dr. John Udo Ekpo, a medical doctor from the Ibibio ethnic group. The couple relocated to Aba in present-day Abia State, where Dr. Ekpo established a medical practice. Margaret’s role as a supportive wife and mother did not deter her from engaging with the community. She became acutely aware of the socio-economic challenges faced by women in Aba, particularly the discriminatory colonial policies that marginalized indigenous populations.
Margaret’s foray into political activism was catalyzed by a personal experience in 1945. Her husband, Dr. Ekpo, expressed frustration over the exclusion of Nigerian medical professionals from decision-making processes dominated by the colonial administration. Recognizing the systemic nature of such discrimination, Margaret resolved to act. She joined the Aba Market Women Association, a platform that allowed her to mobilize women traders against oppressive colonial policies. Her leadership skills and eloquence quickly distinguished her as a formidable advocate for women’s rights.
In 1949, Margaret Ekpo founded the Aba Township Women’s Association, aiming to unify women across ethnic and socio-economic divides. The association became a formidable force, addressing issues such as price controls, taxation without representation, and the general disenfranchisement of women. Under her leadership, the association organized protests and strikes, most notably in response to the Enugu coal miners’ strike of 1949, where colonial police forces killed 21 miners. Margaret’s activism during this period solidified her reputation as a fearless advocate for justice.
Margaret Ekpo’s transition from activism to formal politics was marked by her election to the Eastern Regional House of Assembly in 1961, representing Aba Urban North constituency. This achievement was groundbreaking, as she became one of the first women to hold such a position in Nigeria. In the Assembly, she championed legislation that promoted women’s education, improved healthcare services, and enhanced infrastructural development in rural areas. Her eloquence and unwavering commitment to her constituents earned her respect across the political spectrum.
Beyond her legislative duties, Margaret Ekpo was instrumental in encouraging women’s active participation in politics. She collaborated with other prominent female activists, such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, to form the Federation of Nigerian Women’s Societies (FNWS). The FNWS played a pivotal role in advocating for universal suffrage, leading to the extension of voting rights to women in Eastern Nigeria in 1954. Margaret’s efforts ensured that women’s voices were integral to Nigeria’s post-independence political landscape.
Margaret Ekpo’s political career was not without challenges. The political turbulence of the 1960s, culminating in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), disrupted her activities. During the war, she was detained by the Biafran authorities due to her opposition to certain policies. Despite these setbacks, her resilience remained unshaken. After the war, she continued to advocate for national unity and the reconstruction of war-torn regions, emphasizing the need for inclusive development policies.
In the later years of her life, Margaret Ekpo retired from active politics but remained a revered figure in Nigerian society. She passed away on September 21, 2006, at the age of 92. Her legacy endures through various memorials, including the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, named in her honor. Her life’s work continues to inspire generations of Nigerian women to pursue leadership roles and advocate for societal change.
Margaret Ekpo’s life is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on a nation’s socio-political landscape. Her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and national development has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. As a pioneer of women’s rights and political participation, her story serves as an enduring source of inspiration, reminding us of the power of resilience, courage, and visionary leadership in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
