Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged the women of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and others across the state, to rise up and take advantage of the cooperative initiative introduced by his administration to enhance their personal development and economic empowerment.
Speaking at the grand finale of women sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities held at the Local Government Headquarters grounds, the Governor said the State government will inject N20 million into cooperative societies in each of the 369 wards of the State, and urged women to take active part in the initiative.
The Governor said all women empowerment programmes in the State will be channelled through cooperative societies for proper coordination, and called on women leaders across the State to appraise different businesses they can engage in.
He appreciated the women led by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, for taking the message of peace, unity and meaningful engagement to women in all the local government areas across the State.
The Governor said a special committee will be inaugurated to work with the Special Adviser on Bureau for Cooperative, Mrs Alice Ekpenyong, to drive the process and ensure optimisation.
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He appreciated the women for their large turnout at the event, support for the ARISE Agenda, and commitment to supporting his re-election in 2027.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the event is aimed at appreciating the women for their support for the Governor in 2023 as well as supporting them through cooperative societies.
She said throughout the local government areas visited, the women have expressed delight over the Governor’s impactful leadership, support for the women, and also conveyed their willingness to support his re-election in 2027.
On her part, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, appreciated the Governor for his women-inclusive style of leadership, saying that Akwa Ibom women are well represented at all levels of government.
She said the sensitisation programme was to tell women to register and get their Permanent Voters Card and prepare to carry out their civic responsibility come 2027.
In their separate remarks, President General, Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Council, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk; Political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob; state woman leader of the All Progressives Congress, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko; wife of the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Mrs Comfort Bob and wife of the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium, Akwa-Obongawan Philomena Etuk, appreciated the Governor for his genuine love and support for Akwa Ibom women.
