…AS WOMEN ARISE KICKS OFF SENSITIZATION TOUR

By Udeme Hosea

In its avowed commitment to grassroots development and women empowerment, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pst. Umo Eno, PhD, has commissioned the Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) Livelihood Collectives Processing Mills in 11 wards of Abak Local Government Area for the easy production of palm oil in large quantity.

Speaking at Oku Abak on Monday during the commissioning, Governor Eno hinted that the oil processing mills are  initiative of the state government in collaboration with the World Bank for women’s economic empowerment, geared towards adding value to women at the grassroots.

Governor Umo Eno, who was represented by Senator Akon Eyakenyi, said the 11 processing mills in Abak have the capacity to produce eight drums of palm oil daily and urged the people of Abak to protect the facility.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for initiating and commissioning the project, saying that it was the dream of the late Patience Umo Eno to touch women at the grassroots.

Other women stakeholders who spoke at the commissioning, including the Executive Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Mrs. Ime Charles, Barrister Ofonime Etuknwa, Dr. Ini Adiakpan  and the Village Head of Oku Abak, Obong Okokon Udo, JP, all lauded the Akwa Ibom state government and World Bank for the project that will improve the wellbeing of the women.

Meanwhile, Women Arise  earlier today kicked off a Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities at Independence Hall, Abak  and Ikot Ekpene, respectively.

Addressing the women at Abak and Ikot Ekpene, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakeyin, thanked the women for supporting the Arise Agenda of Pastor Umo Eno, whom she described as a gender friendly Governor , admonished them to keep doing good.

 She explained that, the  aim of the sensitization tour  is to enlighten and educate women on the need for them to discharge  their civic responsibilities, especially by involving themselves in voter registration execise and participating fully in elections.

The Deputy Governor also advised women to participate and mobilize eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration exercise, saying that civic engagement in politics is important for development as it promotes inclusion.

Present at the tour were the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga, Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah (PhD), Mrs. Maureen Umana, and Arise women stakeholders.