By: Theresa Donatus, Uyo.

The statewide Women Sensitisation Tour on Civic Responsibility, organised by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, yesterday reached Oruk Anam and Ukanafun Local Government Areas, drawing large crowds of women who pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The sensitisation programme, held at the Oruk Anam Council Hall, Ikot Ibritam, and later at the Ukanafun Council Secretariat, brought together women leaders, female stakeholders, and community representatives from across the two local government areas.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, urged women to embrace civic responsibility by actively participating in governance, particularly through voter registration and political engagement.

She stressed that sustained voter participation was critical to consolidating the gains of the ARISE Agenda of the Umo Eno-led administration.

Senator Eyakenyi called on the women to support the re-election of President Tinubu, the Senate President, Akpabio, and Governor Eno in 2027.

She encouraged them to register and update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), National Identification Numbers (NIN), and All Progressives Congress (APC) membership cards, while mobilising their families and communities to do the same.

She noted that Oruk Anam and Ukanafun had benefited significantly from the present administration, receiving over 14 and 11 projects, respectively, within three years.

Among the projects cited was the recently commissioned oil mill in Oruk Anam, aimed at empowering women economically and boosting local productivity.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, commended the women for their massive turnout and described them as key drivers of electoral outcomes.

She urged them to sustain their support for the ARISE Administration and participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise and the APC e-registration.

“I am here today to thank you for always supporting the Governor. You have done it before, and you will do it again,” Lady Obareki said, urging women in Oruk Anam and Ukanafun to rally support for President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and other APC candidates in 2027.

She conveyed Governor Umo Eno’s appreciation to the people of both local government areas for their overwhelming support during the 2023 governorship election, assuring them that challenges faced would be addressed through the provision of people-centred projects across the state.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, thanked the women for embracing the sensitisation programme and encouraged them to cascade the message at the ward and household levels.

She emphasised the importance of PVC registration and renewal, NIN enrolment, APC registration, and family mobilisation, noting that informed and organised women remain a powerful force in governance and development.

The Special Adviser on the Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong highlighted the role of cooperative societies in women’s economic empowerment under the ARISE Agenda.

She urged women to leverage cooperative platforms to access government support, credit facilities, and capacity-building opportunities.

Earlier, the Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Sunday Akpan, the chairman of Ukanafun local government area, Hon. Uyo Ukpanah, alongside other female stakeholders, reaffirmed the area’s support for President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, pledging continued backing for the ARISE Administration beyond 2027.

The sensitisation programme was preceded by a health sensitisation and medical outreach, during which hundreds of women received health checks and free medications, underscoring the administration’s commitment to women’s welfare and preventive healthcare.

At the Ukanafun Civic Centre, speakers reiterated the need for women to participate actively in civic duties, including voter registration and cooperative formation, to benefit from government empowerment programmes.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, PhD; wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Enobong Uwah; wife of the APC State Chairman, Mrs. Ini Louis Ntukekpo; APC State Woman Leader, Obongawan Obonodo Uko; and other political leaders and stakeholders, who commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising women-focused initiatives across the state.