By Ekaette Okon-Joseph
The Akwa Ibom State Government on Monday intensified its call for greater civic participation by women, urging them to take active roles in voter registration, political decision-making, and grassroots governance.
The appeal was made during a civic engagement tour in Eket Local Government Area led by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen democratic awareness and inclusion across the state.
Addressing women’s groups, community leaders, and stakeholders, Eyakenyi said women must move beyond passive support to active involvement in shaping political and developmental outcomes. She encouraged eligible women to collect their Permanent Voter Cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission and complete their National Identification Number 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 Umo 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. She stressed that political inclusion and economic empowerment must go hand in hand to ensure sustainable progress.
She 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.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki, reinforced the call for active citizenship, urging women to safeguard their voter cards and participate meaningfully in electoral and civic processes.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Inibehe Silas, said the sensitisation drive was designed to position women as central stakeholders in governance. She encouraged women to engage in policy discussions, community leadership structures, and cooperative movements that amplify their voices.
The Special Adviser in the Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Rt Hon. Alice Ekpenyong outlined the benefits of cooperative membership, urging women across Eket to organise into structured groups to access state-backed support programmes.
In his remarks, the Executive 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.
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.
Several stakeholders delivered goodwill messages, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank 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. They collectively pledged support for sustained civic engagement and encouraged women to remain at the forefront of community mobilisation and democratic participation.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs Bright Archibong expressed appreciation to the state government for bringing the sensitisation tour to Eket and assured that women in the area would intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027 general elections.
