By Iniemem Ndueso
Akwa Ibom State Government has fixed March 16 as the deadline for registration into the ARISE Women Cooperative Initiative.
The initiative is where all women across the state are to apply and participate in the sundry empowerment programmes.
The announcement was made on Monday, March 2, during a Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities held at Mkpat Enin Local Government Council Hall.
Speaking during the Sensitization programme, Akwa Ibom state Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno, said when the Governor assumed office, his priority was to empower the rural sector, recognizing that the majority of the population and the heartbeat of democratic participation resides in rural communities and hinterlands.
She emphasized her mandate is to assess the welfare of women in the area and report back to the Governor.
Eyakenyi urged the women to actively participate in the Women’s Rally scheduled for March 7, which will bring the sensitization programme to a close and commemorate International Women’s Day.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, expressed appreciation to women in Mkpat Enin for their resilience, loyalty and massive mobilization.
She charged the women to show support for the current administration, noting that women remain central to Governor Eno’s developmental agenda.
She reaffirmed that women play a vital leadership role and should take ownership of political processes and community decision making.
Setting the tone for the event, Mrs. Inemesit Enobong Uwah, reiterated that empowerment opportunities were forthcoming for Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
Mrs. Uwah said mothers should encourage their children from age 18 to apply and register for PVC thereby initiating their civil rights and responsibilities.
“Encourage your children, that are age 18 and above, to register for their National Identification Number (NIN) and obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC). These are not just documents, they are tools of identity, civic responsibility and empowerment.
“A voter card gives them a voice in shaping their future and the future of their community, because true power lies in participating in the democratic process.”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Cooperatives, Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, urged women to accept the ARISE cooperative societies to improve economic independence.
She commended the current administration for maintaining peace and stability in the state, adding that the Governor is focoused on sustainable empowerment through the ARISE Women Cooperative Initiative where women will be able to expand or start their enterprises as she presented the 15 ARISE Cooperative Set forms.
The Chairman of Mkpatenin, Engr. Emmanuel Inyang, in his welcome remarks expressed appreciation to the Governor, Deputy Governor, First Lady designate and all delegates for making the sensitization real by moving from one Local Government to another to sensitize Akwa Ibom women.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to mobilizing women at the grassroots to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and promising the Governor, that the people of Mkpatenin are solidly behind him.
“All women of this community have registered their PVC and with their civic rights will vote for Governor Umo Eno, President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio as the right choice”.
Other dignitaries present who pledged support included Senator Ekong Sampson, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South District, Hon.Uwem Peter Ita; Member House of Assembly, Prof. Eno James Ibanga; Commissioner for Works, Women leaders and stakeholders across the state.
