Eno mobilises women for economic growth, to inject ₦20m into cooperatives in 369 wards

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged women in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and across the state to take advantage of the cooperative initiative introduced by his administration to promote personal development and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the grand finale of the women’s sensitisation tour on civic responsibilities held at the Nsit Ubium Local Government Headquarters, the governor announced that the state government would inject ₦20 million into cooperative societies in each of the 369 wards across the state. He encouraged women to actively participate in the initiative to improve their livelihoods.

Eno explained that all women empowerment programmes in the state would henceforth be channelled through cooperative societies to ensure proper coordination and impact. He also called on women leaders across Akwa Ibom to assess viable business opportunities that cooperative members could engage in.

The governor commended the women, led by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, for taking the message of peace, unity, and meaningful engagement to women across the state’s local government areas.

He further disclosed that a special committee would soon be inaugurated to work with the Special Adviser in the Bureau for Cooperatives, Mrs Alice Ekpenyong, to drive the implementation of the initiative and ensure optimal results.

Eno also thanked the women for their large turnout at the event, their support for the administration’s ARISE Agenda, and their commitment to backing his re-election bid in 2027.

Earlier, Eyakenyi said the sensitisation tour was organised to appreciate women for their support during the 2023 elections and to further empower them through cooperative societies.

She noted that during visits to various local government areas, many women expressed satisfaction with the governor’s leadership and programmes targeted at improving the welfare of women.

In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, commended the governor for his inclusive leadership style, noting that women in Akwa Ibom are well represented at different levels of government.