Ufok Ibaan: Uyo standstill as MTN Foundation recreates history of Ikot-Abasi women uprising

Uyo, the capital city of Akwa-Ibom State on Thursday stood still, as the history of Ikot-Abasi women uprising of 1929 was dramatically told in scintillating form.

The drama titled Ufok Ibaan was showcased to a large audience at the magnificent Ibom Hall located in the heart of the clean and green city of Uyo.

The event which is sponsored by MTN Foundation in partnership with Duke of Shomolu Productions Limited thrilled the audience and educated them to the true history of the heroic women of Ikot-Abasi.

Ufok Ibaan brought together the crème de la crème of the Akwa-Ibom State who watch patiently as the drama crew took everyone back to the correct event that is popularly known as the Aba Women Riot of 1929.

Among those present at the Ibom Hall on Thursday night include Senator Helen Udoakaha Esuene and Senator Udo Udoma, whose grandmother, Madam Udo Udoma, a notable fighter and one of the victims of the Ikot-Abasi women uprising.

Also present at the event are the Akwa-Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Orman Esin, a prominent businessman/industrialist, Akan Udofia and many others stakeholders.

Producer of the play, Joseph Edgar (The Duke of Shomolu) said that ‘Ufok Ibaan’ is a dramatic recount of the 1929 women’s riot that positioned Eastern Nigerian Women as notable forces to be reckoned with during the colonial era.

He said that Ufok Ibaan which cost his team about 28 million naira to put up, is a heartfelt celebration of the collective strength of women and thanked MTN Foundation and other corporate agencies including individuals.

Speaking, Senator Udo Udoma who could not hide his emotions said that watching the drama of how his grandmother, Madam Udo Udoma was shut and killed gave him a real picture of the story of his grandmother whom he never saw, but only heard about her heroine.

He thanked the Duke of Shomolu Production and the Director of the drama, William Benson for doing a great job and also thanked the sponsors.

Senator Hellen Udokaha Esuene described the 1929 women uprising as a serious movement that shook the foundation of colonialism and in the end, brought the needed change in Nigeria.

She commended the producer, the Duke of Shomolu Production, the sponsors of Ufok Ibaan and all those that contributed to ensuring that a true story of the activities of the brave women was told and showcased.

Akwa-Ibom State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism Orman Esin said he is very glad and excited that Joseph Edgar has been able to tell the story the way it should be told.

“As a ministry of government, we’re passionate about telling the history of Akwa-Ibom the way it should be told. Partnering with the Duke of Shomolu has been one of my greatest achievements. From Ibiom to Ufok Ibaan.

“People say a lot about this but I can tell you that it all started in Ikot-Abasi. If we tell our stories properly, people will know that the cradle of the story of Nigeria started here. The oldest church in Nigeria and the Oldest Bible in Nigeria is right here in Akwa-Ibom.

“After watching this, take a trip to Ikot-Abasi to see things for yourself. I bring you greetings from the government and urge us to realize that we have a lot of our stories to tell and we’ll continue to tell them the way they should be told,” he said.

Meanwhile, the excited audience at the magnificent Ibom Hall could not hide their excitement throughout the drama, as a series of clapping saturated the arena in appreciation for both the story and the professional display from the actors.