Cross River State is not only known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. It has produced women whose lives and work in politics, business, film, health, and activism have left visible marks at home and beyond. These remarkable women have turned passion into purpose, proving that leadership can bloom from any corner of the world.
Like NRTC research on 7 notable female role models from Akwa Ibom State, Delta State, Edo State, here are 7 notable female role models from Cross River.
1. Margaret Ekpo
Born on July 27, 1914, in Creek Town, Margaret Ekpo became one of Nigeria’s earliest voices for women’s political inclusion. She was more than an activist; she was a builder of movements. In the 1940s and 1950s, when politics was largely seen as a man’s world, she mobilized women through market associations and community groups, encouraging them to register to vote and speak up about governance. Her fearless advocacy paved the way for generations of Nigerian women to take up leadership positions. Today, her name stands proudly among the icons of Nigeria’s independence struggle. The only international airport in Cross River, Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, is named after her.
Florence Ita-Giwa’s story is one of compassion, strength, and service. Born on February 19, 1946, she began her career as a nurse and pharmacist before venturing into politics, where she served as Senator representing Cross River South (1999–2003). Fondly called Mama Bakassi, Ita-Giwa became a national voice for the displaced Bakassi people after Nigeria’s handover of the peninsula to Cameroon. Beyond politics, she continues to champion women’s empowerment and humanitarian causes, earning her the reputation of a mother figure both at home and in national discourse.
3. Pamela Adie
Pamela Adie represents a new generation of Cross River women who use creativity to challenge the status quo. Born in Calabar in 1984, she is a prominent Nigerian LGBT rights advocate, activist, filmmaker, and writer, widely recognized as Nigeria’s first openly lesbian activist. She is known for her use of storytelling to advance the rights and visibility of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women in Nigeria. Through her projects — including the documentary Under the Rainbow and the film Ìfé — she has spotlighted issues of identity, equality, and personal freedom. As Executive Director of The Equality Hub, Pamela’s storytelling bridges courage and compassion, sparking important conversations in Nigeria’s evolving social space.
4. Martina Chukwuma-Ezike
Martina’s journey began in Cross River but has taken her to international heights. After earning her degree from the University of Calabar, she moved to the UK, where she founded the Asthma and Allergy Foundation — Scotland’s first dedicated charity for asthma awareness. In 2022, she broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman elected Rector of the University of Aberdeen. Her leadership story is a testament to how local education, determination, and empathy can create global impact.
ALSO READ
5. Isabella Agbor Ayuk
When Isabella Ayuk won the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant in 2012, she didn’t stop at the crown. She transformed her fame into a platform for change. Through the Isabella Ayuk Foundation, she has championed causes like cervical cancer awareness, widows’ empowerment, and scholarships for underprivileged girls in Cross River. Her work reminds young women that beauty becomes powerful when it serves others.
6. Keira Hewatch
Born in Calabar in 1985, Keira Hewatch has steadily made her mark in Nollywood with memorable performances in Two Brides and a Baby, Lekki Wives, and other acclaimed projects. Her versatility and grace on screen have earned her awards and admiration from both fans and peers. Beyond acting, Keira represents the creative heartbeat of Cross River, which is a symbol of how storytelling can reflect culture, emotion, and identity.
7. Kate Henshaw
Kate Henshaw, born in Calabar in 1971, has long been one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actresses. With a career spanning over two decades, she has featured in countless films and won numerous awards, including Africa Movie Academy and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. But beyond her fame on screen, Kate is deeply committed to humanitarian work. She serves as a fitness advocate, UNICEF ambassador, and vocal supporter of child welfare and women’s empowerment. Her discipline, humility, and generosity make her a role model not just for aspiring actors but for anyone striving to live with purpose.
These seven women, who are different in their paths but united in their purpose, embody the resilience, warmth, and brilliance that define Cross River. Their stories remind us that leadership is not confined to titles or positions; it’s in the everyday acts of courage that inspire others to rise.
