Women Arise: Akwa Ibom’s Civic Awakening in ikot Ekpene

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has called on women to take ownership of their civic responsibilities by registering with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ensuring they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.

She made the call during the Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The event, themed “Women Arise,” was held at the Ikot Ekpene Town Hall in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The Deputy Governor explained that Governor Umo Eno specifically mandated her to go round the local government areas to sensitize women from 18 years and above on the importance of voter registration and party e-registration, stressing that it is the electronic register that reflects at the national level.

She recalled that when the governor was first elected, he was in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but following wide consultations across sectors, clusters and stakeholders in the state, he took a bold decision to move to the APC in the interest of the future of Akwa Ibom politics.

According to her, the positive outcomes of that decision are already evident.

She further disclosed that empowerment schemes have been put in place across different local government areas to benefit men, women and youths, urging women to key into the opportunities.

Earlier in her speech, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, conveyed the governor’s appreciation to the women for their past support and their anticipated commitment in the future. She urged women to truly “arise” by getting their PVCs and ensuring they vote in 2027, noting that women remain a critical force in the political process.

Setting the tone for the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, said Governor Eno is deeply committed to women inclusion and participation in governance.

She disclosed that the sensitization tour is aimed at encouraging women from 18 years upward to register to vote, emphasizing that e-registration is already ongoing. According to her, “Your right is your power,” and women must not take it for granted.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, described the occasion as a joyful and historic day for the people of Ikot Ekpene. He expressed excitement over the visit and noted that without the support of the state leadership, he would not be standing in his present position.

He commended the entourage for coming to sensitize the people on their civic responsibilities and the future of Akwa Ibom politics, stressing that Ikot Ekpene, being the first local government area in the history of Nigeria, cannot afford to lag behind.

Goodwill messages followed from stakeholders and women leaders. The Women Leader, Mrs. Regina Udoma, thanked everyone present and urged women to ensure their voter cards are ready.

The Special Adviser on Bureau of Cooperatives, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, said the present day cooperatives are different from those of the past. She described Governor Eno as a promise keeper who has brought empowerment across sectors in the state and further encouraged women to form Arise Women Cooperatives in the 12 wards of Ikot Ekpene, assuring them that the initiative would bring benefits to all.

The APC Chapter Women Leader, Hon. Helen Asikpo, described Ikot Ekpene as the Raffia City where people are hardworking and largely literate, noting that the women are well positioned to make informed political decisions.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Ikot Ekpene, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien charged women to support what he described as the winning team of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon. Nsikak Ekong, described Governor Umo Eno as a man who cares for women and promotes equity, adding that the governor, true to his name, is a gift to Akwa Ibom State. He encouraged women to join the APC by registering and obtaining their PVCs.

The Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu, and the Wife of the Chairman, Ikot Ekpene LGA, who promised massive votes from the people of Ikot Ekpene, also addressed the gathering.

The event featured a vote of thanks, appreciating the state government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and all participants for their commitment to women mobilization and civic engagement, while reaffirming Ikot Ekpene’s readiness to actively participate in shaping the political future of Akwa Ibom State.