UBANA FRANCIS IDIOK AKA MMA POLICE

Biography

A PIONEERING POLICE OFFICER, COMMUNITY LEADER AND TRAILBLAZER FOR U GEP WOMEN

ARCHIVE CATEGORY: Distinguished Sons and Daughters of Umor | Women in History | Public Service and Community Development

INTRODUCTION

Some lives are remembered for the positions their owners occupied; others are remembered for the barriers they broke, the people they inspired and the footprints they left behind.

The story of Madam Ubana Francis Idiok, fondly remembered as Mma Police, belongs to the latter.

Born in December 1935, she was a pioneering daughter of Ugep whose remarkable journey into the Nigerian Police Force, at a time when opportunities for women in public service were considerably limited, earned her a place among the notable women in the history of Umor.

She was not only a trailblazer in law enforcement but also a community mobiliser, women's advocate, Christian leader and an active contributor to the development of her hometown.

Her life represents courage, discipline, determination and the enduring strength of Ugep women.

BIRTH AND FAMILY BACKGROUND

Madam Ubana Francis Idiok, née Ofem Ibor, was born in December 1935 into the families of Late Ete Ofem Ibor of Egbizium Town, Ugep, and Late Mma Bimah Ubi of Utom-Ijoman Town, both in Ugep Urban, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

She was born into a family with a strong traditional heritage. Her mother, who was of royal lineage and also a respected traditional healer in Ugep, played an important role in shaping her early life and educational opportunities.

EDUCATION: A WOMAN AHEAD OF HER TIME

At a period when Western education for women was still uncommon and, in many communities, viewed with considerable reservations, young Ubana was fortunate to receive formal education.

Her mother enrolled her at the then Church of Scotland Mission (CSM), now Presbyterian School, Ugep, where she attended from 1942 to 1952 and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate.

Driven by a desire for further knowledge and practical skills, she proceeded to undertake vocational training in Domestic Science, which she completed in 1956.

Her educational journey was significant not only for her personal advancement but also as an example of what girls and young women from Ugep could achieve when given the opportunity to learn.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER: BREAKING BARRIERS IN THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE

Following her primary education, Ubana began her working life with the Scottish missionaries as a Pupil Young Teacher (PYT), serving from 1953 to 1955.

Her academic performance during her vocational training earned her another appointment as a Domestic Science Teacher on B Scale at the Asaba Vocational Training Centre for Women in the then Mid-Western Region.

However, her professional journey would soon take a remarkable turn.

In September 1958, she enlisted into the Nigerian Police Force as a recruit, becoming the first woman from Ugep and the neighbouring Yakurr, Abi, Obubra and Biase Local Government Areas to join the Force, according to the family biography.

This was a remarkable achievement in an era when women were considerably underrepresented in many formal professions and public institutions.

She went on to serve for approximately 35 years, earning accelerated promotions in recognition of her discipline, hard work, neatness and professional excellence. Her career culminated in her elevation to the prestigious rank of Superintendent of Police.

MMA POLICE: THE IRON LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS

Among the most memorable aspects of her professional life was her service with the Road Traffic Corps.

She became widely respected for her uncompromising approach to law enforcement, particularly her refusal to tolerate traffic violations or accept bribes from offending motorists.

Drivers who encountered her during road traffic duties knew that she insisted on compliance with traffic regulations. Defaulting motorists were prosecuted in court rather than allowed to escape accountability through bribery.

Her firmness, discipline and no-nonsense disposition earned her the nickname Mma Police, which became a familiar expression among motorists and members of her community.

She was also described as the Iron Lady, a reflection of her strong character and uncompromising commitment to duty.

Throughout her career, she served in several police formations across Nigeria, including Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Aba, Abakaliki, Umuahia, Owerri and Makurdi.

She served in Makurdi, Benue State, from 1976 to 1993 before retiring from the Nigerian Police Force.

Her story remains an important reminder that women from Ugep have historically occupied spaces of responsibility, authority and national service.

MARRIED LIFE AND FAMILY

Late Princess Ubana was married to Late Mr. Francis Philip Idiok, a senior staff member of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), from Odio Town in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Their marriage was blessed with four children: three females and one male, who sadly died before reaching the age of one.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Retirement did not mark the end of Mma Police's public service. Instead, it opened another chapter in her commitment to community development.

Upon returning to Ugep, she became actively involved in mobilising residents, particularly women, towards collective development and social advancement.

Her contributions extended across religious, social, philanthropic and community organisations.

She served as the leader of the Women's Guild of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in Makurdi, Benue State, in 1986. Following her return to Ugep, she also served as Vice President of the Women's Guild of the Presbyterian Church.

During her tenure, she encouraged the women to undertake the construction of a building that now serves as an office block of the Presbyterian Academy, Ugep.

Her leadership also extended to the Umor Otutu Women Association, where she served as president. The association subsequently evolved into a multi-purpose cooperative society, through which women pursued collective initiatives aimed at improving their economic and social well-being.

Her commitment to community development earned her an appointment as a member of the Obol Lopon Advisory Council, Ugep, by His Royal Highness, Obol Ubi Ujong Inah, the Obol Lopon of Ugep and paramount ruler of Yakurr Local Government Area.

She also served as treasurer of the Retired Police Officers Association, Central Zone, covering Obubra, Abi, Yakurr and Biase Local Government Areas.

These contributions demonstrate that her understanding of service extended beyond her professional career. She recognised the importance of community participation, women's cooperation and institution-building.

CHRISTIAN LIFE

Mma Police maintained a strong Christian commitment throughout her life.

Her early association with the Scottish missionaries introduced her to Christianity. Her faith was further strengthened through baptism and her eventual admission as a full communicant of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria.

She remained a devoted Christian, serving faithfully wherever she found herself until the end of her life.

TRANSITION

After a life marked by professional distinction, community service and dedication to her faith, Madam Ubana Francis Idiok passed away on 9 March 2010, following a brief illness.

Her passing marked the end of an extraordinary journey, but the significance of her contributions remains worthy of remembrance.

She is remembered as a pioneering police officer, a disciplined professional, a community leader, a champion of women's advancement and a distinguished daughter of Ugep.

HER LEGACY: A STORY WORTH PRESERVING

The story of Mma Police is more than a biography of an accomplished woman. It is part of the broader history of Ugep women and their contributions to the development of their community and society at large.

She demonstrated that the women of Umor were not merely spectators in the story of development. They were professionals, institution-builders, educators, community organisers and agents of social transformation.

Her journey from the classrooms of Presbyterian School, Ugep, to the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force, and eventually to community leadership at home, offers an inspiring example for younger generations.

Her life challenges us to recognise, document and celebrate the women whose contributions helped shape the Ugep we know today.

May her gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.

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EDITORIAL AND SOURCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The original biography from which this historical profile was developed was written and provided by members of the family of the late Madam Ubana Francis Idiok.

In furtherance of its commitment to preserving the history, heritage and distinguished personalities of Ugep, the Discover Ugep Editorial Team undertook an editorial review, restructuring and refinement of the original document to improve its organisation, readability, historical presentation and suitability for digital archiving.

ARCHIVED BY: DISCOVER UGEP DIGITAL MUSEUM AND ARCHIVE

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