Influence Is Not About Popularity, It Is About Impact — Eta
Oru Leonard
For Mrs. Barbra Christopher Eta, being named among the 100 Influential Women in Cross River State is not simply an award or recognition of personal achievement. It is, in her words, a reminder that genuine service does not go unnoticed.
Eta, a native of Boki Local Government Area who was born and raised in Calabar, received the recognition with what she described as a “very grateful heart,” saying the honour has encouraged her to do even more for her people and community.
“I feel very honoured and grateful to be recognized among so many amazing women in Cross River State,” she said.
For Eta, influence has never been about titles, popularity or public attention. Rather, she believes true influence is measured by the lives touched and the positive difference made in a community.
“I’ve always believed in contributing wherever I find myself, not necessarily because I want recognition, but because I genuinely believe in service,” she said.
She explained that the recognition gave her a sense that the efforts she had quietly made over the years were making a difference.
“So, for someone to look at the work I’ve been doing and say, ‘We see you, and what you’re doing matters,’ is very encouraging. It also challenges me to do even more.”
From Calabar to the United States
Eta’s journey reflects a blend of professional achievement and a strong commitment to her roots.
She studied Linguistics and Communication Studies at the University of Calabar before developing professionally in project management and healthcare information technology.
Today, she works in healthcare information technology in the United States. Despite building a professional career abroad, however, her connection with Cross River has remained strong.
Over the years, she has been involved in tourism and investment promotion, diaspora engagement and community development, with a particular interest in creating stronger connections between Cross River and its people in the diaspora.
Her passion also extends to women and young people, particularly the need to create opportunities that enable them to thrive.“I don’t really see influence as having a title or being popular. For me, influence is about impact,” she explained.
“If something I’ve done has helped someone, encouraged another woman or contributed positively to my community, then I consider that meaningful.”
A Call to Women to Step Forward
For Eta, the recognition is also an opportunity to encourage other Cross River women to believe in themselves and take their place in society.
Her message is simple: “Don’t be afraid to take your place.”
She believes many women sometimes wait for the perfect moment or for every circumstance to be right before pursuing their dreams. But, according to her, progress often begins with taking that first step.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out. Start from where you are,” she advised.
She also called for stronger solidarity among women, urging successful women to create opportunities for others rather than seeing one another as competitors.
“There is enough room for all of us to succeed. When you get an opportunity, open the door for another woman. When you rise, take somebody with you,” she said.
Eta believes Cross River women possess enormous potential and should be encouraged to occupy more spaces across different sectors.
“Cross River women are incredibly talented, intelligent and resilient,” she said, expressing her desire to see more women making their mark in business, technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, public service and other areas of society.
More Than a Professional Title
Away from her professional accomplishments and community engagements, Eta describes herself first as a wife, mother and Cross River woman who cares deeply about her people.
Asked to describe herself beyond her professional titles and accomplishments, she offered a simple answer:
“I’m a Cross River woman who loves her people, believes in service and wants to leave things better than she met them.”
That philosophy perhaps best explains why the recognition means so much to her.
For Eta, the honour is not a destination. Instead, it is another call to service — a reminder that impact can begin quietly, grow steadily and eventually touch lives in ways one may never fully see.
And as she accepts her place among the 100 Influential Women of Cross River State, she does so not with a sense of arrival, but with renewed determination to contribute more, inspire other women and remain connected to the state she calls home.
