Women across the 12 wards of Ikono Local Government Area, Friday gathered at the Local Government Council Hall for the ongoing State sensitization/economic empowerment programme for women across the State.
Representing the Governor at the event, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi emphasized the importance of civic participation amongst women, urging them to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC), register with the ruling party and actively participate in political processes.
Eyakenyi noted that women remain a critical force in shaping electoral outcomes and community development, encouraging them to remain united and actively involved in governance.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive participation and grassroots engagement as key pillars for sustainable development.
The deputy Governor called on women to possess their National Identification Number (NIN) so as to register for the ARISE Cooperative Society.
She further described Governor Umo as gender friendly, urging the women to turn out in their numbers for the women’s Rally scheduled for March 7.
In her remarks, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, charged the women to reciprocate the Governor’s support with loyalty and active participation ahead of 2027 elections.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, during her tone settings educated the women on how to be proactive in civic and cooperative engagements.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Bureau of Cooperatives, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, sensitized women on the process of merging their already existing cooperatives to form the ARISE Cooperative Society across the 12 wards of Ikono Local Government Area, to enable them access government empowerment grants.
The Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Engr. Otobong Okon Essien, in her welcome address praised the Governor for prioritizing grassroots development, women empowerment and rural advancement across the state.
Engr. Essien commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, she pledge to mobilize other women across wards and villages in Ikono to register and participate fully in the democratic process.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Senator Aloysious Etuk, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo; Member House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana Udo; Member House of Assembly, Dr. Ubong Inyang; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Victor Etefia; SSA on Petroleum, Dr. Emmanuel Ntatam, Professor Augustine Umoh; Delivery Advisor for Health, among others.
