Akwa Ibom State, proudly known as the Land of Promise, has continued to distinguish itself not only through its rich cultural heritage but also through the exceptional accomplishments of its people. Since its creation in 1987, the state has produced trailblazers in engineering, law, entertainment, governance, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries.
In this feature, NRTC highlights some of the remarkable women whose achievements have brought honour to Akwa Ibom and continue to inspire a new generation of young Nigerians.
1. Mayen Adetiba
Mayen Adetiba is a Nigerian civil/structural engineer, principal partner at Delkem Associates, and has a record of leadership in Nigerian engineering bodies. She graduated with two engineering degrees from Columbia University (B.Sc.) and Cornell University (M.Eng). She has also worked in the arts and is the mother of filmmaker Kemi Adetiba.
2. Eve Esin
Eve Esin is a Nigerian actress, film producer, and one of the most recognisable faces from Akwa Ibom’s entertainment landscape. Born in Oron, she began acting after a brief banking career and quickly built a name for herself in both Nollywood and the indigenous film industry. Eve has won several awards, including Best Actress in an Indigenous Film, and is admired for her emotional range and consistent community outreach efforts in Akwa Ibom and beyond.
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3. Emem Isong
Isong is a prolific filmmaker whose works speak for her. She is a graduate of Theater Arts from the University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State. Some of her works include Knocking on Heaven’s Door, Silver Lining, Reloaded, Games Men Play, and Behind Closed Doors, among others.
Her contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed, as she has received some recognition for her work. In 2011, she won Best Movie Producer at the Eloy Awards for I’ll Take My Chances, among others.
4. Dorothy Ufot
Ufot is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Akwa Ibom State. She was called to the bar in 1989. She is the founding partner of Dorothy Ufot & Co., a leading Nigerian full-service law firm, where she heads the international arbitration and litigation departments of the firm.
Since 2016, she has been a member of the Court of Arbitration of the Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CIMAC), Morocco. In 2000, she became a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in London.
She is a graduate of Political Science, University of Calabar, Cross River State (1983). Thereafter, she obtained an LL.B. degree from the University of Lagos in 1988.
She has also received some recognition for her work. In 2020, she was awarded the African Arbitrator of the Year by the African Arbitration Association. This was for her contributions in Arbitration and Commercial Law. Also, she is recognised as a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom.
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4. Glory Emmanuel Edet
Glory Emmanuel Edet is an academic, gender advocate, and two-time Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Akwa Ibom State. She is known for driving policies that protect vulnerable groups, especially women and children. During her tenure, she championed campaigns against gender-based violence and supported programmes aimed at empowering rural women economically. Dr. Edet also has a strong academic background, having lectured at the University of Uyo before joining the government.
5. Veekee James
Veekee James is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer and entrepreneur from Nsit Atai in Akwa Ibom State. She is widely celebrated for her highly structured couture gowns and her ability to create viral, trend-setting bridal looks. Her brand, “Veekee James,” has gained national and international attention, particularly for its craftsmanship and signature silhouettes. She has also ventured into gospel music and runs a fashion academy that trains young designers across Nigeria.
6. Akon Etim Eyakenyi
Akon Etim Eyakenyi is the current Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and a seasoned public servant. Before becoming deputy governor, she served as a senator representing Akwa Ibom South, as well as a former Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development. Her political career spans decades, marked by advocacy for community development, women’s participation in leadership, and improved housing policies. She is widely respected for her administrative experience and her long-standing service to the state.
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7. Hilda Baci (Hilda Effiong Bassey)
Hilda Baci is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, and content creator from Nsit Ubium, Akwa Ibom. She first rose to international attention in 2023 after setting a (then) Guinness World Record for the longest individual cooking marathon. On 12 September 2025, she added a second confirmed Guinness World Record by cooking the largest-ever serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice — 8,780 kg (about 19,356 lb) — at an event on Victoria Island, Lagos, where the rice was prepared and distributed under Guinness rules.
Beyond her viral achievement, Hilda is the founder of “MyFoodByHilda,” a food brand known for creative recipes and cooking tutorials that inspire young Nigerians.
From engineering to film, fashion, law, politics, and the culinary arts, these women represent the strength, creativity, and resilience that define Akwa Ibom’s place on the national stage. Their stories reflect a steady commitment to excellence and a determination to break barriers in fields traditionally dominated by men. As they continue to excel and uplift others, these role models stand as powerful reminders of what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and when women are given the space to lead, create, and thrive.
