….Urges women to take active part in governance
By | Ekaette Okon Joseph
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a cooperative support fund of N20 million for women in each of the state’s 369 wards, a move expected to inject about N7.38 billion into grassroots businesses.
Governor Eno made the announcement during a women’s mobilisation and sensitisation programme in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening women led enterprises and widening economic opportunities at the community level.
He said the cooperative fund would be open to all women in Akwa Ibom State, regardless of political affiliation, adding that the programme is designed to promote inclusive economic participation.
The governor explained that Permanent Voter Cards would be part of the identification requirements for beneficiaries, in order to ensure proper documentation and transparency in the disbursement process.
“The money is meant to assist women in their small businesses and improve their economic activities across the wards,” Eno said.
He also commended the committee coordinating the initiative for embarking on a mobilisation tour across the 31 local government areas of the state to sensitise women on the programme and encourage wide participation.
Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the governor for what she described as his consistent commitment to women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
She urged women across the state to organise themselves into cooperative societies in order to benefit from the fund and other government empowerment programmes.
Eyakenyi also encouraged women to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and complete their National Identification Number registration to ensure smooth participation in government initiatives.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Obareki, thanked the people of Nsit Ubium for the warm reception given to the delegation.
Obareki described the visit as a homecoming and called on residents to continue supporting Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwa, represented by his wife, Dr Inemesit Uwa, donated N5 million in support of the cooperative initiative and commended the governor for prioritising women’s economic empowerment.
Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Nteyin Dr Solomon Etuk, CFR, praised the governor for introducing the cooperative initiative, describing it as a programme capable of strengthening women’s businesses and supporting family welfare across communities.
Etuk offered prayers for divine guidance and wisdom for the governor as he continues to serve the people of the state.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong, said Governor Eno had contributed significantly to the development of Nsit Ubium even before assuming office, adding that the administration’s policies were already translating into tangible community benefits.
Ekong thanked the governor for what he described as his sustained commitment to grassroots development.
The Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperative Societies, Mrs Alice Ekpenyong, said the cooperative initiative reflects the governor’s vision of positioning women as key drivers of economic growth in the state.
Ekpenyong explained that the government intends to disburse the funds directly through registered cooperative societies to eliminate intermediaries and ensure transparency.
She urged women across the wards to take advantage of the programme by registering with cooperative societies and participating actively in their operations.
The Chairman of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority, Rt Hon Anietie Eka, commended the governor for initiatives that directly affect women and children across the state.
Eka described women as central to family and community development, noting that empowering women strengthens the social and economic foundation of society.
In a show of support for the initiative, Barrister Eno Idem, SAN, donated N5 million, while former senator Effiong Bob, described as the governor’s guarantor, commended the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady for what he called the dignified and respectful manner in which she has managed the office.
Also speaking, the State Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom, Obongawan Obonono Uko, said the mobilisation exercise was partly aimed at appreciating the women of Nsit Ubium for their continued support for the administration.
She added that the governor’s commitment to women’s empowerment reflects the values of discipline and service instilled in him by his family and community.
Officials said the cooperative initiative is expected to deepen financial inclusion among women at the grassroots and strengthen small scale enterprises across the 369 wards of Akwa Ibom State.
