The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi,Tuesday played host to the leadership of Oron Union, Women’s Wing in her office, Government House, Uyo.
Addressing the women, the Deputy Governor enumerated the various infrastructural and human capital development projects executed in Oro Nation by the administration of Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, urging them to reciprocate the gesture by throwing their weight behind the Governor in the forthcoming elections.
She described the ARISE Agenda as a framework for inclusive development, noting that the government has made tremendous progress across key sectors while empowering women through business grants and other interventions.
Eyakenyi disclosed that the state government would soon flag-off the ARISE Women Cooperative Network to expand economic opportunities for women, adding that the administration was also committed to providing vocational training for youths and women across the State.
She also called on the women to canvass votes for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the reforms of the Federal Government and the people-oriented programmes of the State Government were creating opportunities for economic growth and development.
Read Also: Women’s Political Awakening In Akwa Ibom: Opportunities And Structural Barriers Ahead Of 2027
According to her, the economic policies of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have made funds available for State Governments and Local Government Councils to undertake landmark projects, citing the ARISE Palm Resort, the Oron Beach project, investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, the Youth Development Centres, compassionate homes and the planned clean-up of the Marina Road, Oron as examples of the state government’s ongoing development drive in Oro Nation.
“We must allow the economic reforms of the President mature. Quick fixes won’t help.
“Before President Tinubu assumed office, most States in Nigeria couldn’t pay ordinary salaries while the Local Governments were dead. Today, the subnationals are undertaking audacious projects because the reforms have made funds available.
“For instance, the ferries that will ply the Oron-Calabar Waterways are ready, alongside the jetty. What the Governor is building in the Oron Beach is massive.”
On security, the Deputy Governor expressed concern over reported cases of child trafficking and cited the rescue of 12 children and the arrest of the culprits as evidence of the government’s determination to tackle the crime.
She urged the women to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that community participation was essential to effective security.
Senator Eyakenyi also advised them to refer rape, human trafficking and other gender-based violence cases to the State’s Gender-Based Violence Committee for appropriate action, warning that the government would not tolerate any form of abuse or violence.
Briefing them on Christmas Unplugged 4.0, Senator Eyakenyi said the festival has been improved by the Governor, urging them to participate in the cooking exhibition, noting that the event would showcase Akwa Ibom’s delicious cuisines to the world.
Congratulating the new executive members on their election, the Deputy Governor urged them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, perseverance and a clear conscience, assuring them of her continued support, describing mentorship as a responsibility of established female leaders to prepare younger women for leadership.
“Beyond empowering women, ensure that you groom younger women who can rise to leadership tomorrow.
“Despite the challenges, push on and let your conscience and God judge you. Make your plans the collective vision of your executive and carry everyone along,” she advised.
Earlier in her address, the International President of the Oron Union Women’s Wing International, Mrs Kate Hensley, called for stronger collaboration among government, community leaders and women’s organizations to tackle human trafficking, empower women and youths, and promote sustainable community development in Akwa Ibom State.
Hensley appreciated the Deputy Governor, for her longstanding support and encouragement, describing her leadership as a source of inspiration to women and girls.
She declared the support of the women for the Governor and the Deputy Governor, commending the administration for initiating several projects in Oro Nation, including those specifically designed to benefit women.
The President also identified human trafficking as a major concern, revealing that the organization has conducted sensitisation campaigns in churches, markets, town halls and other community spaces, while collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has led to arrests and the recovery of at least 28 victims, including mothers and children, who were reunited with their families.
The event, which featured the decoration of the Deputy Governor with the Organisation’s uniform had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Joseph Edidem and officials of the organisation.
