The city of Ikot Abasi stood still on Wednesday, March 4, as stakeholders in the local government launched a ₦20 million groundbreaking fund to support the ARISE Cooperative Society as part of efforts to deepen economic empowerment and grassroots mobilisation across the area.
The announcement was made as prominent personalities, dignitaries, local leaders, women groups, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gathered for the women sensitization tour on civic responsibilities held at the Council secretariat.
The State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who lauded the initiative by the stakeholders, described the fund as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen women-led enterprises and cooperative development in the LGA.
She urged women in the eleven wards of the council to register under the ARISE Cooperative platform, stressing that the initiative would serve as a vehicle for empowerment and financial inclusion from the Governor.
“I do not want to preach about voters’ cards because I know you all have them already. I want to talk about ARISE Cooperative. It is very important.
“Go to your wards and register. After that the governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, will come and empower you. Governor Eno is ready to reach out and empower women because he knows the importance of women.”
According to her, Governor Eno is prepared to empower Ikot Abasi women, noting that women remain the backbone of electoral participation and community development.
“You are the ones who stand in numbers under the rain and sun to ensure that you vote and your votes are counted,” she added, expressing confidence in the continued support of Ikot Abasi people for the President, Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Of course, I know you are ready to massively support the President, Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, described the initiative as a fantasticààaà movement that transcends politics
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He listed projects executed in the local government by the state government, including a model school, healthcare center and road infrastructure.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, commended the unity and cooperation among women in Ikot Abasi, adding that health checks were incorporated into the sensitization programme because Governor Eno is interested in their wellbeing.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Cooperatives, Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, emphasised that grants to be disbursed under the ARISE Cooperative Society must be judiciously invested to ensure sustainability.
She announced March 16 as the deadline for registration, urging the formation of cooperatives in all eleven wards.
Responses from community leaders, political stakeholders and women underscored widespread support for the initiative. They pledged to stand solidly behind the current leadership at both state and federal levels.
They also referenced the historic resilience of women in the region, noting that Ikot Abasi women continue to embody the enduring spirit of the 1929 women’s movement.
“Ikot Abasi women are hardworking. They still inhibit the spirit of the 1929 women today.”
Goodwill messages were delivered by the State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obongawan Obonodo Uko, alongside the party’s Chapter Woman Leader in Ikot Abasi, who lauded the unity of women in the local political space as well as the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Selina Ukpatu.
Supports came from Mr. Edidiong Uffot and Etebom Engr. Celestine Udia (JP), who spoke on behalf of the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi.
The sensitisation tour, which has so far reached 30 local government areas, is expected to conclude tomorrow, March 5, at Nsit Ubium LGA, continuing its mission of educating women on civic responsibilities while promoting cooperative-based economic empowerment across Akwa Ibom State.
