As part of ongoing efforts to deepen democratic awareness and inclusion across the state, Governor Umo Eno, on Monday, urged women in Akwa Ibom to shift from “passive support” such as campaigning or cheering for male candidates to active participation in politics, decision-making processes and grassroots governance.
Addressing women groups and stakeholders in Eket LGA in continuation of the ongoing women sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, encouraged women to move towards shaping political and development outcomes ahead of the 2027 elections.
She encouraged eligible women to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and complete their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, describing both as essential instruments of civic participation.
“Democracy is strengthened when women are fully involved, not only as voters but as decision-makers, organisers, and advocates for their communities,” she said.
The Deputy Governor highlighted initiatives under Governor Eno’s administration aimed at expanding opportunities for women, including empowerment schemes, youth-focused programmes, and infrastructure projects aligned with the state’s development agenda.
While she stressed that political inclusion and economic empowerment must go hand in hand to ensure sustainable progress, Eyakenyi also drew attention to the ARISE Cooperative Scheme, describing it as a strategic platform for promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening household incomes, and enhancing women’s collective bargaining power in governance and community affairs.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno-Obareki, reinforced the call for active citizenship, and urged women to safeguard their voter cards and participate meaningfully in electoral and civic processes.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akan Tommy, commended the state government’s focus on women’s advancement and pledged continued collaboration to promote inclusive participation at the grassroots.
The Deputy Governor later moved the sensitisation train to Ibeno local government area where they were received by the Chairman, Hon. Mrs Glory Effiong, women groups and other political stalwarts.
Stakeholders at the event reiterated the importance of unity, mobilisation, and sustained civic engagement, describing women as critical drivers of democratic consolidation and community development in Akwa Ibom State.
The engagement forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to expand civic awareness and ensure that women play a more prominent role in politics, governance, and development ahead of future electoral cycles.
Dignitaries who attended the meetings alongside the deputy governor include the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, the Special Adviser in the Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Rt Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, and the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Enobong Kufreabasi Eidem, among others.
Several stakeholders delivered goodwill messages in Eket, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; his wife, Mrs Bright Archibong; the Chapter Woman Leader, Mrs Comfort Ebong; the President of the Eket Senatorial District Women Forum, Dr Mrs Ephraim Akpan; NDDC Commissioner, Andikan Ikono; the Member representing Eket in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Nsidibe Akata; and the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey.
In Ibeno, goodwill messages were delivered by the member representing Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Okpolupm Etteh, represented by Hon. Henry Ekpe; Mrs Eunice Thomas, who is a Commissioner (Akwa Ibom State) in the Federal Character Commission; community leaders, party officials, and representatives of socio-cultural groups.
