Women in Akwa Ibom State are already organising themselves through various ventures of the State Government’s ARISE Cooperative Initiative as a practical means to achieve economic empowerment and self-reliance.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, who made this known while speaking at the women's sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities in Ini LGA, on Friday, encouraged women to form strong cooperative groups with a minimum of 100 members per ward to qualify for the upcoming trader and farmer grants of the government.
Eyakenyi emphasised that the ARISE Agenda is based on self-employment, unity, and shared prosperity. She noted that the tour in Ini reaffirmed the administration’s “Akwa Ibom United” initiative.
She underscored the strategic role of women as grassroots mobilisers, economic drivers, and key electoral stakeholders in the state's political future, even as she described Governor Umo Eno as a gender-friendly leader who is committed to inclusive governance and the economic advancement of women.
The Women Sensitisation Tour on Civic Responsibilities in Ini LGA drew a large gathering of women leaders, political stakeholders and community influencers who reaffirmed their support for Governor Umo Eno and the ARISE Agenda.
The event, which is part of a statewide mobilisation drive, focused on voter registration, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, cooperative development and grassroots political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA, Mr Inibehe Uma, described Ini as a peaceful and politically conscious local government, assuring that the women of the area are prepared to play their part in sustaining the current administration.
“Ini is very peaceful. Our women will always wait and vote,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Deputy Governor for leading the delegation to the area.
“The governor has taught us to replicate what he is doing under the ARISE Agenda, and that is exactly what we are doing here. There is clear evidence of Pastor Umo Eno’s government in Ini. Our women will vote for him to continue his good works.”
Mr Uma also pledged the local government’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, alongside other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudoh, commended Ini women for their grassroots mobilisation strength, noting that they traditionally move “door-to-door and ward-to-ward” during elections.
“If we enter the villages now, we will confirm that Ini women have their NIN, voter’s cards and APC cards,” she said, adding that recent medical outreach initiatives facilitated by the governor have ensured that the women are fit and prepared for civic engagement.
While addressing the gathering, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Bureau of Cooperatives, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpeyong, described the ARISE Cooperative initiative as a practical pathway to economic empowerment.
“What we brought here is big, but not bigger than Ini women,” she said. “The governor wants every Ini woman to have money. ARISE Cooperative is his cooperative, designed to give women a future and help pay school fees. We must form cooperatives across the 11 wards of Ini, and each must include women from every unit.”
She explained that membership requirements include possession of a voter’s card, NIN and APC membership card, stressing that empowerment opportunities would be channelled through these structured groups.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Senatorial Woman Leader, Mrs Elizabeth Ibanga, declared that Ini women understand the electoral process and are fully mobilised. “We have our voter’s cards, our NIN and we are registered APC members. We are ready,” she said.
Member representing Ini in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, reeled out projects executed under Governor Eno’s administration, including road construction, solar-powered water schemes, model primary schools, health centres and appointments of indigenes into government positions.
“We never had it this good,” he said. “Once Ini people say yes, their yes is yes. We will deliver and even double our votes in 2027.”
Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo linked federal and state collaboration to ongoing development, noting that presidential support enables governors to deliver at the sub-national level.
Ukpong-Udo, who represents Ikono/Ini in the National Assembly, called for sustained backing of President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio, while also appreciating the enduring legacy of the First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno of blessed memory.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, applauded the unity and capacity displayed by Ini women.
“To the beautiful women of Ini, I greet you. I have seen your capacity. I believe these are the women who will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she said. “Based on your promises and your preparedness with your voter’s cards, NIN and APC cards, we trust you will deliver.”
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