Lending and Leading—Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono Widows Drive Change Through Community Lending
By Edoamaowo Udeme
In the tranquil rural community of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria, a tragic event underscores the harsh realities faced by women as breadwinners. A woman in her 60s lost her life trying to mediate a dispute between her machete-wielding daughter and her estranged son-in-law over a cassava harvest. The daughter, determined to protect her economic independence, had harvested the crop and transported it to her parents’ home, angering her ex-husband, who had plans to sell it without her knowledge. In the ensuing altercation, the mother collapsed and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The man fled, leaving a grieving family to mourn.
This heartbreaking incident reveals the immense economic and social burdens carried by women in rural Nigeria, where many serve as primary breadwinners. These women—whether single mothers, widows, or wives of underemployed men—engage in farming, palm oil production, and small-scale trading to provide for their families and ensure their children receive an education.
The Economic Reality of Rural Women
Rural women in Nigeria face significant challenges exacerbated by inflation and poverty. According to the World Bank, 40.7% of Nigerians were expected to live below the international poverty line by the end of 2024. Women make up over 60% of Nigeria’s poorest population, with approximately 52 million trapped in extreme poverty. Inflation, which stood at 33.7% in April 2024, has made life even harder for these women, who struggle daily to feed their families and meet basic needs.
Thriving Against the Odds
Despite these hardships, women in Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono are defying the odds through innovative grassroots initiatives, including thrift networks, community lending programs, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Their resilience is a testament to the transformative power of collective action.
A Matriarch’s Legacy
Obongawan Arit Willie Ekpo, a 102-year-old widow, exemplifies the strength and determination of rural women. Having raised eight children—some of whom now hold Ph.D. degrees—she leads a women’s group that provides soft loans to those in need.
“My husband couldn’t secure a government job despite his education, so he took on menial work like clearing bushes and harvesting palm fruits. Together, we processed palm oil to feed our family and sell at the market,” Arit recalls. “After his death, I traveled long distances to buy palm oil seeds, processed them at home, and sold the oil to support my children’s education.”
Building on this experience, Arit started a women’s group focused on savings and loans. “I didn’t realize people were noticing my efforts until the village council offered me a leadership role. Since then, I’ve supported hundreds of women,” she says.
Her group also fosters community solidarity. “When members have occasions like weddings or funerals, we come together to support them. We contribute money, bring firewood and water, and attend events wearing our uniforms,” Arit explains. She takes pride in her reputation for managing funds responsibly. “Some respected community members entrust me with money to distribute, and I’ve never failed them.”
Empowering Women Through Thrift Networks
Emah Christopher Frank (JP), a 62-year-old widow, is another inspiring leader in the community. She operates a palm oil processing center and supports over 50 women through her thrift network.
“With six children to care for, I struggled until I joined a women’s group offering soft loans,” Emah shares. “My commitment and timely repayments earned me access to larger loans, which allowed me to start my own thrift network. Through this, I’ve helped over 50 women.”
Her dedication earned her recognition, including a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. “In my wildest dreams, I never imagined traveling outside Nigeria. This happened because of my commitment to helping other women,” she says.
Emah’s thrift network operates with a structured system to ensure accountability. Borrowers must provide a guarantor who is a well-known community resident. Loan agreements are formalized with signed forms that hold legal weight. “Since 2014, only two women have defaulted. We got them arrested, and their guarantors bailed them out. That’s why we insist on having guarantors before granting loans,” Emah explains.
Emah’s group also includes five men. “They approached us to join and have been reliable in repaying their loans. They are amazed at how we work,” she notes.
Changing Gender Narratives
Community leaders like Obongawan Dora Ebong, a pharmacist and Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission in Abuja, advocate for balanced development by uplifting both women and men. “We must encourage the boy child to participate in domestic and economic activities from an early age, just as we do with girls,” she emphasizes.
Dora’s initiatives include training programs for boys and girls in practical skills to promote economic independence. She also organizes medical outreach programs to ensure women have access to basic health checks. “We don’t need publicity to support our community; what we need is accountability,” she asserts, emphasizing that empowering women fosters long-term resilience in families and communities.
From Survival to Sustainability
The widows and women of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono exemplify resilience and ingenuity, overcoming systemic challenges to drive progress. Through thrift networks, palm oil production, and advocacy for gender equality, they have become catalysts for change in their community.
To sustain and expand these successes, collaboration among policymakers, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders is crucial. Addressing systemic barriers, ensuring transparency, and providing reliable funding will enable these initiatives to thrive. By investing in women as community leaders and economic drivers, Nigeria can move closer to achieving equity, resilience, and sustainable development.
Conclusion: A Model of Resilience
The women of Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono embody the transformative power of solidarity and community-led initiatives. Their stories demonstrate the critical role women play as economic drivers and the importance of fostering shared responsibilities between genders. By supporting their efforts and addressing systemic challenges, communities can create a foundation for lasting development and growth.
This article was produced by the Africa Women’s Journalism Project (AWJP) with the support of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) as part of the Bourse Reportage pour les Journalistes Femmes en Afrique Francophon
