Women in Abak Local Government Area have been charged to take a leading role in grassroots civic engagement, particularly in voter registration and political participation, as the Akwa Ibom State Government officially flagged off the “Women Arise” Sensitization Tour.
The sensitization programme, which attracted women leaders and groups from all wards of the local government, was held on Monday, January 26, at the Independence Hall, Abak.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Team Leader of the tour, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, commended the women for their consistent contributions to community development and urged them to intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure that all eligible residents obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Senator Eyakenyi stressed that active participation and strong voter turnout would be critical ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that women must position themselves at the centre of the political process.
She also encouraged them to take advantage of the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration exercise, describing civic engagement as a key pathway to influencing governance and development at both the local and national levels.
In a solidarity message, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, encouraged women to embrace leadership roles and actively participate in the sensitization exercise, stressing that women remain vital partners in the administration’s development agenda.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, explained that the tour was designed to educate and empower women across the state to effectively discharge their civic responsibilities.
Highlighting government achievements in the area, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, outlined key development initiatives in Abak and called on women to sustain their support for the programme.
In the same vein, the State Woman Leader of the APC, Obongawan Abonudo Uko, appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his inclusive leadership and urged women to ensure they acquire their PVCs to remain eligible for participation in governance and government programmes.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Ime Effiong Charles; the Wife of the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs. Margaret Otong; the Wife of the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Maureen Umanah; and the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor, Mrs. Ekimini Umoh.
The sensitization tour later moved to Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, where women converged at the Ikot Ekpene Council Town Hall to receive the delegation.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Eyakenyi urged women in Ikot Ekpene to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and formalise their membership with the APC.
She acknowledged the numerical strength and strategic importance of women in the area and encouraged all eligible citizens yet to be captured in the voters’ register to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
She further advised women with torn, worn-out, or damaged PVCs to seek immediate replacement at the nearest INEC office or designated registration centres. The Deputy Governor also encouraged those yet to complete their APC membership registration to visit their respective ward party offices for validation.
In her remarks, Mrs. Helen Obareki expressed appreciation to the women of Ikot Ekpene for their sustained support for the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration and appealed for continued solidarity in advancing the government’s development programmes.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom; the Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong; former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien; Member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu; Chairman of Ibom Power Company, Engr. Etido Inyang; the Ikot Ekpene APC Woman Leader, Mrs. Regina Udoma; and other stakeholders.
The “Women Arise” Sensitization Tour forms part of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s efforts to promote inclusive governance, strengthen civic responsibility and ensure women remain central to the socio-political and developmental growth of the state.
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