Governor Alex Otti deserves commendation for immortalising the brave women of the 1929 Aba Women’s War. By erecting statues in their honour, he has done more than preserve history; he has affirmed that the sacrifices of our mothers deserve recognition, respect and remembrance.
Indeed, “governance is not just about roads and bridges, but also about identity, history and pride.”
For me, this is a moment of profound joy. It is a reminder that women were not mere spectators in the making of Nigeria. They resisted oppression, challenged injustice and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for dignity and freedom. Their courage must never be forgotten.
**But here lies the irony: more than nine decades later, women are still fighting for their rightful place in Nigeria’s political leadership.**
Our state and national assemblies, as well as local government councils, remain overwhelmingly dominated by men. I call it the **“Boys’ Brigade”**—a political culture in which men largely control the structures, resources and opportunities needed to access power, leaving women marginalised despite their enormous contributions to society.
What does it mean to celebrate the heroines of 1929 while the political system continues to shut their daughters out?
**Honouring our mothers must go beyond erecting statues. It must translate into greater representation, equal opportunities and the deliberate dismantling of barriers to women’s political participation.**
Women must not be confined to voting, mobilising crowds and working behind the scenes during campaigns. We must also be at the decision-making table—as legislators, councillors, commissioners, governors and leaders at every level.
Governor Otti’s gesture gives women in politics a much-needed ray of hope. It inspires us to keep pushing against the odds, challenging exclusion and insisting that our voices count.
Our mothers of 1929 confronted the powers of their time. Their daughters must confront the barriers of ours.
**Let the statues remind us not only of how far women have come, but also of how far Nigeria still has to go.**
The ultimate tribute to these heroines is not simply to remember their courage, but to build a political system in which women no longer have to struggle so desperately for a seat at the table.
**Honour our past. Empower our women. Open up the political space.**
Hope is rising!
–Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu (Ada Owere), Labour Party Candidate for House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency
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