Akwa Ibom To Inject ₦20 Million Into Ward Cooperatives, Eno Tells Women
Governor Encourages Women’s Economic Participation
GOVERNOR Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has urged women across the state to take advantage of the cooperative empowerment initiative introduced by his administration to enhance economic development and personal growth.
The governor made the call during the grand finale of the women sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities held at the headquarters of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
According to him, the cooperative initiative is designed to strengthen grassroots economic participation and provide financial support to women through organised community structures.
₦20 Million Support for Ward Cooperatives
Governor Eno announced that the state government plans to inject ₦20 million into cooperative societies in each of the 369 wards across the state.
He encouraged women to actively join and participate in the cooperatives, noting that the initiative would serve as a major platform for empowerment.
“All women empowerment programmes in the state will be channeled through cooperative societies to ensure proper coordination and accountability,” the governor said.
He also advised women leaders across the state to identify viable business opportunities that cooperative members could pursue collectively to improve their economic wellbeing.
Women’s Sensitisation Tour
The governor commended women in the state, led by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, for organising the sensitisation tour which focused on promoting civic responsibility, unity and peaceful engagement among women across local government areas.
To ensure the smooth implementation of the cooperative initiative, Eno disclosed that a special committee would soon be inaugurated to work with the Special Adviser on the Bureau for Cooperatives, Alice Ekpenyong.
The committee, he said, would oversee the process and ensure that the programme achieves its intended objectives.
Support for Government Agenda
Governor Eno thanked the women for their strong turnout at the event and for supporting his administration’s ARISE Agenda.
He also acknowledged their commitment to backing his political aspirations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking earlier, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi explained that the sensitisation tour was organised to appreciate women for their support during the 2023 elections and to encourage them to participate in cooperative societies for economic empowerment.
Call for Civic Participation
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Obareki, praised the governor’s inclusive approach to governance.
She noted that women in Akwa Ibom are well represented at various levels of government under the current administration.
Obareki added that the sensitisation programme also aimed to encourage women to register and obtain their Permanent Voters Cards ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including the President-General of the Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Solomon Etuk; political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Effiong Bob; and the State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Obonodo Uko.
They commended the governor for his continued support for women’s development across the state.
