By Dr. Favour O. Egbara Akhidenor, PhD, MSW, MSc.
I am blessed to be an Uvwie woman. Born and raised in Effurun, a place that is the heartbeat of my family and my people. My father, Moses Egbara, fondly known as Blackmoses, was a great man whose life left a lasting impact on Uvwie.
As President and Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, my father nurtured leaders—Late Gadhafi, late Chief Ekpejo (Okorokporo), Ariyor, Late Friday Ani, Emeta, Agofure Motors, Abednego Agofure, Chairman Agowin Int Limited, Ariyor, Abel Taire, and even His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, now Governor of Delta State, once considered a son under his mentorship. He was more than ‘Blackmoses’ presido or a chairman—he was a mentor, a leader, and a visionary whose guidance and dedication left indelible marks on Uvwie, first under Okpe Local Government and later as Uvwie stood on its own.
My father, alongside my grandmother and other courageous men and women, fought tirelessly to establish Uvwie Local Government. They were beaten for their efforts, and I remember my grandmother could not walk for weeks due to the injuries she sustained during the struggle. The struggles continued for years, and even when my father fell ill, he never stopped thinking about the welfare of Uvwie. I remember his words from his sickbed: “A strong man can fall, and division can break an entire clan.” Those words have stayed with me; they are a call for unity, for hope, and for action.
My Journey as an Uvwie Woman
Growing up as a little girl in Effurun, opportunities were few and far between, especially for girls. Families struggled, social and political problems abounded, and education for girls was far from guaranteed. I walked miles daily to attend secondary school, and despite being valedictorian, senior prefect, and even Miss Uvwie, I had to work hard just to attend high school. To save money, I sold bread, oranges, and candies after school. I could not immediately attend college due to financial hardship.
Through perseverance, I earned a Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Benin, and later my MSW and PhD in the United States, receiving awards for my work in prevention and intervention studies, including the Outstanding Graduate Student Awards and Research and Impact Award at the University of Maine.
Breaking the Stigma Against Uvwie Women
Too often, Uvwie women are stereotyped and stigmatized. Outsiders label us as uneducated or dismiss us as fit only for “agbero” (street) jobs. These stereotypes are both false and harmful. In truth, Uvwie women are hardworking, intelligent, resilient, and capable of contributing meaningfully when given the chance.
The fact that I, an Uvwie woman, rose from hawking goods on the streets of Effurun to becoming a PhD holder in the United States is living proof that our girls can achieve greatness if supported.
Women as Drivers of Uvwie
Uvwie women are ready and able to contribute to the growth and progress of our kingdom. Today, I mentor several young Uvwie women, witnessing firsthand the strength, intelligence, and drive they bring to their communities. Societies that educate and support women thrive faster and more sustainably. Our mothers and grandmothers fought for Uvwie to be recognized as its own local government; now it is our turn to ensure women have a voice and leadership role in shaping its future.
Giving Back
This belief is at the heart of Saint Naomi’s Foundation (saintnaomis.org), which I established to ensure girls have the opportunities I once fought so hard to create for myself. Through mentorship and support, we empower young women to rise, to lead, and to create meaningful change in their communities. As I always say: “As women, we don’t need to be perfect, but we do need to be ready for a world that is constantly evolving. Keep moving!” Until I have no breath, I will continue this work—not for money, but because I was chosen to make life better for my fellow Uvwie women.
Conclusion
As I pay tribute to my father, Moses “Blackmoses” Egbara, I also call on our leaders, elders, and brothers in Uvwie Kingdom: let us recognize that empowering women is not a threat to tradition, but a pathway to growth.
I am proud to be an Uvwie woman.
