ESSIEN UDIM — Women and stakeholders in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have pledged to deliver bloc votes for Governor Umo Eno and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections, declaring that any campaign in the area would be “preaching to the choir.”
The declaration was made during a weekend women sensitisation drive aimed at promoting grassroots participation in governance and economic empowerment, led by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi. Participants cited Governor Eno’s efforts at fostering unity, equitable development, and collaboration with the Senate President as key reasons for their support.
Representing the Governor, Eyakenyi encouraged women to ensure their voter cards were valid and urged young women aged 18 and above to register. She also called on residents across the 11 wards to facilitate registration of at least 100 people each.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the importance of obtaining National Identification Numbers (NIN) to participate in the ARISE Cooperative scheme and other state empowerment initiatives. She noted that the governor’s alignment with federal authorities, including Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu, would attract more development to Akwa Ibom.
Speaking on behalf of the Senate President’s wife, Dr. Ekaette Unoama Akpabio, Dcs. Eunice Thomas urged women to remain united and proactive, noting the growing opportunities for female political participation.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, stressed civic awareness, advising women to renew voter cards, obtain NINs, and register with the APC to access upcoming empowerment programs. Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Cooperatives, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, encouraged formation of cooperatives to enhance financial access and household welfare.
The sensitisation drive also served to mobilise women for a mega rally scheduled for March 7 in Uyo, reinforcing the role of women in shaping political and economic progress in the state.
Leave a comment