Otobong Nsekpong
The capacity of the Hall of the new Millennium, Etinan Council Secretariat was filled to capacity by Women from the 12 wards of the local government area.
The date was 6th February 2026 and the event was a sensitization tour undertaken by the Deputy Governor of the state, Her Excellency, Senator Akon Eyakenyi Ph.D together with the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The sensitization tour seeks to achieve two important purposes. First, to inform the women of the social and economic benefits of partaking in civic responsibilities as well as inform them of the alignment of Akwa Ibom state political structure with the political party at the centre, the APC.
Addressing the women, Senator Akon Eyakenyi Ph.D, described the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno Ph.D, as a leader who believes in the economic empowerment of the women.
According to her, business capital will not come in cash but will pass through banks where National Identification Number (NIN) is an essential requirement for financial transaction.
The Deputy Governor also spoke extensively on the need for the women to form cooperative societies among women groups to make it easier for government to empower them.
On the other hand, she urged the women who have always been part of past electoral victories to mobilize more women especially those who just turned 18 years to register and obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) taking advantage of the ongoing exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
She informed the women that the symbol of the party, APC, is the broom and cautioned against political apathy, stressing that, active participation in civic processes empowers women and strengthens democracy.
Senator Eyakenyi commended the women for their steadfast support to the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, noting that a second term for President Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio 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 women and political stakeholders of Etinan 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.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon. Uko Umoh celebrated the visionary leadership of Governor Umo Eno and assured him of total support of Etinan political structure to his re-election in 2027.
Hon Umoh who spoke extensively on the need for active participation in the Continous Voter’s Registration exercise said Etinan is poised to deliver the highest number of votes for the APC in the forthcoming general elections.
In setting the tone for the day’s engagement, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, explained that the visit was to deliver the Governor’s message, aimed at enlightening women on the importance of civic engagement and active participation in governance.
The Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, took the women through various empowerment initiatives of the Umo Eno-led administration, particularly the ARISE Cooperative Scheme, designed to promote economic independence and self-reliance among women. She encouraged women to form cooperatives at the ward level to benefit from government support. ” Cooperative will put food on your table and send your children to school” she said.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Member representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Obong Paul Ekpo, and APC Chapter Woman Leader, Mrs Kufre Isong.
Speaking on behalf of the women, the Wife of the Local Government Chairman and coordinator ARISE Women in Etinan, Mrs. Emily Uko Umoh, thanked the governor for empowering women under his administration and assured him of the unflinching support of Etinan women for the APC-led administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno.
The event was well attended by dignitaries including representative of Etinan state Constituency,Hon Uduak Ekpo-Ufot and wife, Commissioner for Justice & Attorney General, Hon Uko Udom SAN, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, State APC woman Leader, Mrs Obonodo Uko, Dr Gloria Edet, Dr. Mrs Akaniyene Uwemedimo Udo, Dr Ekaete Ebong Okon, Hon Charity Idio, Rt. Hon Felicia Bassey,Hon Cletus Ekpo, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, Hon Udo Ekwere, Prince Ibanga Enoch Udofia, Hon Idongesit Udofia, APC Chapter Chairman, Comrade Israel Tommy, Obong Ini Obot. Mrs Patricia Aniefiok Dennis and many others.
