By Solomon Essiet
The past week in Akwa Ibom State delivered a series of notable moments, with Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno at the centre of activities that highlighted women’s empowerment, social welfare, and political engagement.
From the conclusion of the women’s sensitisation tour across the state’s 31 local government areas to hosting Nigerian women at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration, the week underscored the administration’s continued focus on inclusion and community development.
Special recognition goes to the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki; the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; and members of the Women Executive Council in Akwa Ibom State for coordinating both major events within a short period. Their efforts also ensured a successful reception for the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her visit to the state.
Key Activities of the Governor During the Week
- Governor Eno attended the Akwa Ibom State Government House Monthly Covenant Service on Sunday, March 1.
- He supervised the peaceful conduct of the APC State Congress on Tuesday, March 3.
- The governor received members of the national leadership and the newly elected IPAC state executive committee on a courtesy visit on Wednesday, March 4.
- He attended the grand finale of the women’s local government sensitisation tour at Nsit Ubium LGA and announced a major empowerment package on Friday, March 6.
- The governor paid an unscheduled visit to the Ibom Model Farm the same day.
- He also inspected the Senior Citizens Centre and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium ahead of the visit of the First Lady on March 7.
- On Saturday, March 7, Governor Eno joined Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the commissioning of the Senior Citizens Centre.
- He also joined the First Lady, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and thousands of women to celebrate International Women’s Day in Uyo.
Matters Arising
Governor Eno Expands Support for Women
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment during the grand finale of the women’s sensitisation tour in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
At the event, the governor announced that women in each of the 369 political wards in Akwa Ibom State will receive ₦20 million through cooperative societies to support business and entrepreneurial activities.
According to him, the initiative fulfills his campaign promise to empower women who played a crucial role during the 2023 gubernatorial election.
The governor’s support for women has been visible in several programmes under the ARISE Agenda. During the 2025 Town Square meetings across the state’s ten federal constituencies, many women benefited from traders’ and farmers’ cash support schemes, as well as equipment distribution programmes.
Hundreds of women received tools such as sewing machines, hair dryers, and other business equipment aimed at strengthening small enterprises and promoting economic independence.
Akwa Ibom Women Take the Lead
International Women’s Day is celebrated across Nigeria, but this year’s event in Akwa Ibom State stood out due to the scale of participation and planning.
Women leaders in the state organised a large gathering that hosted the First Lady of Nigeria, wives of governors, spouses of senators and ministers, and several high-profile women from different professional backgrounds.
The event took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, transforming the celebration into a national gathering that highlighted the organisational strength of Akwa Ibom women.
Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio both commended the women’s leadership for their foresight and coordination.
Hosting such a national gathering, they noted, reinforces Akwa Ibom State’s image as a major destination for conferences, tourism, and national events.
During her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed appreciation for the reception she received.
She described the welcome in Akwa Ibom as one of the warmest she had experienced and praised the energy displayed by the women and the state government.
The First Lady also reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women across Nigeria through programmes under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
Women Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno for 2027
One of the political highlights of the celebration came when Akwa Ibom women moved a motion endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno for re-election in 2027.
Supporters at the event argued that the three leaders had demonstrated strong leadership in their respective offices and deserved continued support.
The endorsement motion was documented and signed by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Obareki.
The Senior Citizens Centre Initiative
Another major highlight of the week was the commissioning of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre in Uyo.
Speaking during the commissioning, Senator Oluremi Tinubu called for similar initiatives across Nigeria, noting that facilities dedicated to the welfare of elderly citizens are urgently needed.
She praised Governor Eno for prioritising programmes that promote dignity and care for older citizens.
The First Lady also acknowledged that the initiative was originally conceived by the late Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, the former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, whose vision the Governor has continued to implement.
Governor Eno explained that the centre represents the state’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices made by older generations.
He revealed that the government already provides monthly financial support to 600 elderly citizens across the state’s 369 wards, each receiving ₦50,000 to help meet basic needs. Many beneficiaries have also been enrolled in the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme free of charge.
The governor added that his administration plans to replicate similar centres in the other two senatorial districts and intends to send a bill to the State House of Assembly to establish a legal framework for elderly care programmes.
Women Sensitisation Tour Across Akwa Ibom
The women’s sensitisation tour, which covered all 31 local government areas, concluded in Nsit Ubium.
At the event, Governor Eno urged women to take advantage of the cooperative societies initiative that will manage the new empowerment programme.
He explained that all future women’s empowerment programmes in the state will be coordinated through cooperatives to ensure accountability and sustainability.
Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who led the sensitisation effort, said the tour aimed to encourage women to remain engaged in civic life and prepare for the 2027 elections by registering for and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Women leaders across the state commended the governor for maintaining an inclusive leadership approach and for expanding opportunities for women in governance and business.
Looking Ahead
The week’s events highlighted a broader theme within the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government, combining economic empowerment, social welfare, and civic participation.
For many observers, the scale of women’s participation during the International Women’s Day celebrations and the rollout of the cooperative empowerment programme signal a deliberate attempt to strengthen grassroots economic activity and political engagement ahead of the next electoral cycle.
For Governor Umo Eno’s administration, the message of the week was clear: community development, women’s empowerment, and care for the elderly remain central pillars of governance in Akwa Ibom State.
