Franca Afegbua

Franca Afegbua (20 October 1943 – 12 March 2023) was a Nigerian beautician and politician who represented Bendel North in the Nigerian Senate in 1983. Elected as a National Party of Nigeria (NPN) senator, she was the first elected woman senator in Nigeria.

Her election marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's political history, breaking a major gender barrier in elective politics at the national level. Although her tenure lasted only a few months before the military coup of December 1983 dissolved the Second Republic, her victory remains an important landmark in the history of women's political participation in Nigeria. Prior to the beginning of the second republic, she worked as a hairdresser in Lagos serving high-income clients.

Career in beauty and business Before entering politics, Afegbua worked as a professional hairdresser in Lagos, where she built a reputation serving high-profile clients. In 1977, she gained national attention after winning an international hairstyling competition. The recognition increased her popularity within her hometown and helped establish her public identity before entering politics.

Political career Afegbua entered politics through Joseph Tarka, who introduced her to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). At the time, Nigerian politics was heavily male-dominated. In 1983, she contested for the Bendel North senatorial seat.

Later life After leaving the Senate, Afegbua withdrew from national politics but remained respected in her community. She was occasionally mentioned in discussions about women’s political representation in Nigeria. Her 1983 victory continues to be referenced in studies of gender and political participation.