THIS DAWN — The International Conference and 96th anniversary on the historic and consequential Aba Market Women’s Riot in Eastern Nigeria has concluded on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The event took place at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Dr. Ikedi Ohakim and Prof. Chinwe Obaji were the co-chairmen of the event, championed by Organising For Opportunities (OFO) Educational Foundation.
The conference commemorated the 96th anniversary of the 1929 Aba Market Women’s Riot.
The Founder of OFO Educational Foundation, Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji, has just addressed the audience on the purpose of the event.
Dr. Ugorji said that he organised the conference in collaboration with the African American Studies Program of Marquette University, Wisconsin, USA.
Professor Chima Korieh, the co-organizer, delivered the keynote address.
Significance of the event
From November 1929 to January 1930, women in virtually all major towns in Eastern Nigeria came together.
They protested their limited roles in the colonial government and the taxation levied on them by the same colonial government.
The results of the Aba Market Women’s Riot, among others, was:
- the elimination of the Warrant Chief System,
- the withdrawal of the illegitimate tax, and,
- the increased respect and role of women in leadership.
It also resulted in inspirations for future generations of women and men alike.
The event was marked by live shows, including musicals and dramatisation of the events leading to and after the Aba Market Women’s Riot.
Emotional speeches and discussions also characterised the occasion, which saw dignitaries from Imo State and beyond present.
According to the organisers, the event will, henceforth, become an annual event.
It is expected to be a wake-up call to women leaders in the Eastern Region, as well as political and traditional leaders alike.
