Leadership, Action and Purpose: Mfon Ekpo Addresses International Women’s Day Event in Uyo

Mfon Ekpo, an internationally recognized speaker and human development consultant, captivated audiences at the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration held on March 7, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The event attracted around 50,000 attendees joining in the global celebration.

The gathering was hosted by Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, with special guests including Helen Eno Obareki, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady Designate, and Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

In her address, Ekpo interwove themes of history, policy, and a call for action, underscoring the longstanding tradition of women’s leadership in the region. She referenced the historic 1929 women’s uprising, known as the Aba Women’s Riot, framing it as an early example of organized female political resistance rather than mere chaos. This mobilization by women from Ibibio, Annang, Oro, Eket, Ibeno, and Obolo backgrounds fundamentally challenged colonial authority and safeguarded their economic rights.

"History may label it a riot; however, we recognize it as a strategic movement," Ekpo articulated in her speech.

Referencing the event's theme, "Rights, Justice, Action," she asserted that the women of this region embodied these concepts long before contemporary empowerment terminology became prevalent. She stated, "That is our heritage. When women support each other, they transcend their circumstances and shape the course of history."

Ekpo highlighted the economic importance of empowering women, presenting research from the McKinsey Global Institute that indicated Nigeria's economy could see a 23% growth – approximately $229 billion – with increased female participation in economic activities.

"Women's empowerment is not an act of charity; it is an intelligent economic strategy," she proclaimed, urging the audience to forge the future they envision.

The International Women’s Day celebration is part of extensive initiatives designed to acknowledge women's roles in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development across Akwa Ibom State.

In addition, Ekpo's recent achievements include receiving the Outstanding Contribution Alumni Award from the University of Southampton, the first of its kind in the institution's 163-year existence, alongside the global expansion of her leadership and enterprise development platform, The Blueprint of How.

These advancements echo Ekpo's central message: that the courageous pursuit of one’s vision can transform lives, communities, and nations.