Akwa Ibom women now hold 40 per cent of political appointments and positions under Governor Umo Eno’s administration, Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has said.
She described the development as a major shift in the state’s political landscape, noting that it goes beyond the 35 per cent benchmark set at the 1995 Beijing Conference on women’s inclusion.
Senator Eyakenyi spoke on Sunday, March 8, during a thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church, Uyo, organised to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration and the conclusion of the Women Sensitisation Tour on Civic Responsibilities across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, Rights, Justice and Action, the Deputy Governor said respect for the rights of women remains vital to peace, stable homes and social progress.
She urged women to take up the responsibility of guiding younger generations by promoting moral values and decency in society.
Eyakenyi also reflected on the history of women’s struggle for justice, saying the 1929 women’s protest often associated with Aba was originally led by women from Ikot Abasi, in present day Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, the Akwa Ibom State Government has translated the ideals of the Beijing Declaration into practical governance by opening more space for women in leadership and public service.
She said the state had, for the first time in 35 years, produced an elected female Deputy Governor, while women now serve in several strategic offices, including Chief Judge, Head of Service, commissioners, local government chairmen, vice chairmen, supervisors and aides to the Governor.
The Deputy Governor said Governor Eno had made women’s inclusion a deliberate policy, adding that he gives clear directives to ensure they are represented in appointments.
She also praised the Governor for programmes aimed at improving women’s economic wellbeing, sustaining security and strengthening action against gender based violence.
Eyakenyi said economic empowerment remains central to women’s success in politics and decision making, and disclosed that the 2026 budget contains provisions to support women through cooperative societies in all 31 local government areas.
She encouraged women across the state to remain hopeful, humble and determined in pursuing their ambitions.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, thanked God for the successful completion of the statewide sensitisation tour and commended the Deputy Governor for her commitment and leadership.
She said Governor Eno had continued to show strong support for the welfare and advancement of women, describing him as a leader who has created room for their growth.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the sensitisation tour, which ran from February 26 to March 6, was designed to educate women on their civic rights and encourage active participation in politics and public life.
She added that the visit of the First Lady of Nigeria to Akwa Ibom during the International Women’s Day celebration highlighted the significance of the programme.
Delivering the sermon from Numbers 27:1 to 11, Apostle Professor Ime N. George said women and girls should not be treated as property or slaves, but as equal heirs with men in Christ.
He cited the biblical account of the daughters of Zelophehad, saying their demand for inheritance rights showed unity and courage in resisting injustice.
The cleric also commended Governor Eno for recognising the rights of women and appointing them into leadership positions in the state.
The event featured the presentation of awards to the Deputy Governor and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady. There were also choral renditions by the ARISE Women Choir and the Apostolic Church Women Fellowship Choir. In addition, 50 vulnerable women from the church received wrappers and cash support through GIFA.
Among dignitaries present were Mrs Fumi Idongesit Nkanga, wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs Comfort Aloysius Etuk, Dr Inemesit Uwah, Mrs Nyaknno Uwem Okoko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, Mrs Kini Ntukekpo, wives of local government chairmen, members of the House of Assembly and female political stakeholders from across the 31 local government areas.
