Over the years, the involvement of women in Nigerian politics has been minimal, especially at the high echelons of elected office. While the situation may be an improvement from the Third Republic (1992-93) before the country’s return to democracy in 1999, a significant representation is yet to be achieved. However, stories of women trailblazers bring hope and inspiration, especially to young women with aspirations of shaping Nigeria’s future through political leadership. One such story is Cross River State’s first female Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Lady Cecilia Eyo Ekpeyong.

Nigeria’s struggle to encourage more female political representation has been a very eventful journey with quite some important milestones. During the Third Republic, two women broke through barriers: Her Excellencies, Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu from Lagos State and Mrs Cecilia Eyo Ekpeyong from Cross River State. Mrs Ekpeyong’s achievement was quite unique because she was the first female occupant of such an important office in her state. This was a very critical milestone among a few others that have lit the fire, encouraging further generations of women to wade into politics.

While slow, progress is undeniable. In the year 2007, Nigeria witnessed the highest number of women senators-nine of 109-member upper legislative arm of government. In the 2011 elections, the House of Representatives for the first time had a record 26 out of 360. So far, 27 women have been Deputy Governors across the country.

The 2023 elections indeed showed an increased appetite for change. For the 2023 elections, 360 women competed for federal seats: one for President, 92 for Senate, 286 for the House of Representatives, 25 for governorship, and 102 for Deputy Governor seats. This uptick in participation, although not yet translating into equal representation, does signal something of a shift in mindset and Mrs Ekpeyong’s story reminds one of the possibilities.
Born on October 7, 1950, to Chief Magistrate Williams Ekpenyong Esuabanga Eyo and Rose Edem Ekanem Esin, Cecilia’s upbringing instilled in her strong values and a commitment to service. After graduating with honours from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, she took up teaching before entering the political fray.
She started her career in 1976 as a teacher at Hope Waddell Training Institute, and later became the principal of Government Secondary School, Akamkpa, and Edgerley Memorial Girls Secondary School, Calabar. Her hard work gave her the honoured title of Principal Emeritus of Nigeria (PEN). It was this commitment to service that brought her into historic election as Deputy Governor in 1992 and her appointment as chair of the Local Government Service Commission in 1997.
Fondly known as “Mma Ceci,” Lady Ekpeyong entered a no-go area, made huge impact and became an inspiration to girls all over Nigeria. She didn’t just hold positions; she was a pacesetter. Beyond politics, she touched lives through education, empowerment, and philanthropy. As the saying goes, “You educate a woman; you educate a generation,” and here was a living embodiment.

Her humanitarian spirit shone through in her Cee Gold Foundation, which supported numerous people living with diabetes and their caregivers, created awareness about the condition, and gave scholarships to several students. Her passion for women’s empowerment led her to establish the Federation of Southern Women (FSW) which empowered women from Southern Cross River to pursue careers in politics and public service.
Her life was a life of giving. She often said, “You can give without loving, but you can’t love without giving.” That was the philosophy that drove her to help the needy. Her generosity and compassion reached out to motherless babies, the physically challenged, the elderly, and many others.
While serving as Deputy Governor, the late Cecilia Ekpeyong showed industriousness, bravery, and attachment to her community. She was joyful when she saw sufferings alleviated and hopes offered to those in need. Her life might have been cut short, but one sure legacy she has left behind was one of transformation through dedication, service, and love. In spite of her busy life and in the midst of all her accomplishments, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who impacted strong values in her family, ensuring they remained her number one priority.
In celebration of her legacy on this occasion of the 20th anniversary of her passing (December 27, 2004), her story is thus a call to young Nigerian women and youth today. This will serve as a reminder that they, too, can break down barriers to have their voices heard and alter the course of their country’s future. Her life depicted true leadership not merely with a position but most importantly using that position to uplift others, build a healthy and successful family, whilst leaving a footprint of positivity in the life of the people. Her doggedness is a great inspiration to the upcoming women leaders in Nigeria, that with courage, compassion, and dedication to service, they can achieve greatness.