Women in Akwa Ibom State have been encouraged to increase their participation in civic processes, including registration with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to strengthen democracy, women's empowerment, and their inclusion in governance.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave the charge in Itu and Ibiono Ibom local government areas on Wednesday, February 4, as the state-wide women sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities continued with more endorsement for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the governor's reelection in 2027.
At Itu council headquarters in Mbak Itam, and in Okoita, the headquarters of Ibiono Ibom LGA where the programmes held with the theme “Women ARISE”, the discussion focused on voter registration, party e-registration, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, and cooperative development as critical pillars for political participation, grassroots mobilisation, and inclusive growth.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Pastor Eno at the occasion, urged women to fully embrace their civic responsibilities by taking advantage of the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as well as NIN registration and APC membership e-registration.
She cautioned against voter apathy, noting that a second term for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Pastor Umo Eno would translate into accelerated development and expanded opportunities for Akwa Ibom State.
In her remarks, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, appreciated the people of Itu and Ibiono Ibom for aligning with and supporting the ARISE Agenda of the current administration, urging them to sustain the momentum for the collective good of the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, commended Governor Umo Eno for the numerous development projects executed in the area, particularly ongoing road projects.
On his part, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, praised Governor Eno for approving the sensitisation tour, describing it as a timely initiative that would further unite women and strengthen grassroots political mobilisation.
Dignitaries who accompanied the deputy governor include the former Secretary to the State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas; Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, and the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Others were the wife of the SSG, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah; Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga; wife of the State APC Chairman, Mrs. Louisa Ntukekpo; wife of the UCCA Chairman, Mrs. Anietie Eka; and the Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishment, Mrs. Esther Inyang, among others.
In Itu, goodwill messages were delivered by a representative of the member representing Itu/Ibiono federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet; wife of the Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs. Enobong Kufreabasi Edidem; Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, former lawmaker, Dr. Ekaette Ebong Okon, and the wife of Itu LGA Chairman, Mrs. Idongesit Ubong Nkutt, among other stakeholders.
In Ibiono Ibom, several stakeholders also spoke in support of the sensitisation initiative. They include the Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien; wife of Ibiono Ibom LGA Chairman, Mrs. Etiemana Asuakak Umoh; wife of the federal lawmaker, Mrs. Ime Okon; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilization, Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia; SSA to the Governor on Trade and Market Matters, Mr. Idorenyin Raphael.
