Florence Ita-Giwa

Early Life and Background

Florence Ita-Giwa was born on February 24, 1946, in Usung Eko, Ikot Abasi, which was then part of the southeastern region of Nigeria, now located in Akwa Ibom State. Despite her birthplace, she hails from the Efik ethnic group, specifically from Bakassi Local Government Area in Cross River State. Her early life was marked by significant challenges; she was orphaned at a young age, a circumstance that profoundly shaped her resilience and future dedication to humanitarian causes. Growing up in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, she navigated her formative years with a determination to overcome adversity. Her Efik heritage instilled in her a strong sense of community and cultural pride, which would later become evident in her political and philanthropic endeavors.

Education

Florence Ita-Giwa's educational journey began at The Salvation Army Primary School in Akai-Ubium, where she completed her foundational studies. She then proceeded to The Duke Town Secondary School in Calabar, a notable institution known for its academic standards. After her secondary education, Ita-Giwa sought further professional training abroad. From 1970 to 1973, she attended Kilburn Polytechnic in London, United Kingdom, where she specialized in Medical Secretaryship. This qualification provided her with a solid professional foundation. Subsequently, she pursued studies in Management at Enfield College of Technology, also in London, further broadening her administrative and organizational skills, which proved invaluable in her later career in both business and public service.

Career

Upon returning to Nigeria, Florence Ita-Giwa initially applied her medical secretarial skills, working at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Her professional acumen quickly became apparent. However, her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to transition into the business world. She ventured into import and export, demonstrating a keen understanding of commerce. Her flair for fashion also saw her establish a popular fashion boutique named 'Labamba' in Calabar, which became a significant success and contributed to her public profile.

Her foray into politics began in the early 1990s. In 1992, during the Third Republic, she successfully contested and was elected into the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Calabar South, Akpabuyo, and Bakassi Federal Constituency. This marked her as one of the pioneering women in Nigerian federal legislature. Following the return to democratic rule in 1999, Florence Ita-Giwa's political career reached a new zenith. She was elected as a Senator to represent the Cross River South Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serving from 1999 to 2003. As a Senator, she was an active legislator, contributing to debates and advocating for issues pertinent to her constituency, particularly women's rights, youth empowerment, and the development of the Niger Delta region.

After her tenure in the Senate, her expertise and political experience were recognized at the highest level. From 2003 to 2006, she served as the Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to President Olusegun Obasanjo, a critical role that involved liaising between the executive and legislative arms of government. Her subsequent appointments included serving as the Special Adviser on the Paradise Island Project to Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and as the Chairman of the Cross River State Tourism Board, where she leveraged her business acumen to promote tourism development.

However, it is her relentless advocacy for the Bakassi people that has defined a significant portion of her public life. Following the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2002, which ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, and the subsequent Green Tree Agreement in 2006, Ita-Giwa became the most vocal and prominent champion for the rights and welfare of the displaced Bakassi indigenes. She earned the affectionate title 'Mama Bakassi' for her tireless efforts to ensure their resettlement, rehabilitation, and integration. She was appointed Chairman of the Bakassi Resettlement Committee, a testament to her commitment and the trust placed in her by the affected community and government. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated political flexibility, at one point defecting from the PDP to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before returning to the PDP, always emphasizing her actions were driven by the interests of her people.

Major Achievements

Florence Ita-Giwa's career is replete with groundbreaking achievements. She holds the distinction of being the first woman to be elected to represent the Calabar South, Akpabuyo, Bakassi Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives in 1992. Furthermore, she became the first female Senator from Cross River State, paving the way for other women in a traditionally male-dominated political landscape. Her 'Mama Bakassi' moniker is not merely a title but a recognition of her profound and sustained advocacy for the Bakassi people, tirelessly campaigning for their resettlement, compensation, and cultural preservation after the ceding of their ancestral land.

Beyond her legislative and advisory roles, Ita-Giwa is a dedicated philanthropist. She established a children's home in Calabar specifically to care for orphaned and vulnerable children from the Bakassi community, including those who lost their parents during the Bakassi crisis or were displaced. This initiative provides shelter, education, and hope to hundreds of children. Her consistent voice on national issues, particularly regarding women's rights, child welfare, and regional development, has made her an enduring figure in Nigerian public discourse. She has also been instrumental in various community development projects in Cross River State.

Personal Life

Florence Ita-Giwa's personal life has also been in the public eye. She was famously married to the renowned journalist and founding editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1984. Their marriage, though brief, was a high-profile union. They divorced in 1986, shortly before Dele Giwa's tragic assassination. She has one biological daughter, Koko Florence Ita-Giwa, who has also followed in her mother's footsteps in public engagement and entrepreneurship. Beyond her biological child, Ita-Giwa is a mother figure to numerous adopted children, particularly those from the Bakassi community, whom she has taken under her wing, providing them with education and care. Her commitment to these children underscores her deep humanitarian spirit. Known for her elegant style and vibrant personality, Florence Ita-Giwa remains a prominent social figure, balancing her public service with a rich personal life and strong family values.

Legacy

Florence Ita-Giwa's legacy is multifaceted and significant. She is remembered as a trailblazer for women in Nigerian politics, having broken several barriers to achieve high-level legislative and executive positions. Her unwavering dedication to the Bakassi people has cemented her place as their fiercest advocate, ensuring their plight remained on the national agenda and earning her the enduring title of 'Mama Bakassi.' Her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her children's home, demonstrate a profound commitment to social welfare and the future of vulnerable children. She has consistently used her platform to champion the rights of the marginalized and to promote peace and development in the Niger Delta region. Ita-Giwa's career serves as an inspiration for aspiring female leaders and a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and humanitarian service in shaping a nation's narrative.