27/02/2026
Women Sensitisation Tour Berths in Ini, Stakeholders Rally Support for Gov Eno, Tinubu, Akpabio
By Lucy Daniel
The Women Sensitization Tour on Civic Responsibilities has made a significant stop in Ini Local Government, drawing a large gathering of women leaders, political stakeholders and community influencers who reaffirmed their support for Governor Umo Eno and the ARISE Agenda.
The event, which is part of a statewide mobilisation drive, focused on voter registration, National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment, cooperative development and grassroots political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Amb. Inibehe Uma, described Ini as a peaceful and politically conscious local government, assuring that the women of the area are prepared to play their part in sustaining the current administration.
“Ini is very peaceful. Our women will always wait and vote,” he said, expressing appreciation to the Deputy Governor for leading the delegation to the area. “The governor has taught us to replicate what he is doing under the ARISE Agenda, and that is exactly what we are doing here. There is clear evidence of Pastor Umo Eno’s government in Ini. Our women will vote for him to continue his good works.”
He also pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, alongside other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs Inibehe Etukudoh, commended Ini women for their grassroots mobilisation strength, noting that they traditionally move “door-to-door and ward-to-ward” during elections.
“If we enter the villages now, we will confirm that Ini women have their NIN, voter’s cards and APC cards,” she said, adding that recent medical outreach initiatives facilitated by the governor have ensured that the women are fit and prepared for civic engagement.
A major highlight of the tour was the push for cooperative formation under the ARISE Cooperative initiative. The Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives, Alice Ekpeyong, described the programme as a practical pathway to economic empowerment.
“What we brought here is big, but not bigger than Ini women,” she said. “The governor wants every Ini woman to have money. ARISE Cooperative is his cooperative, designed to give women a future and help pay school fees. We must form cooperatives across the 11 wards of Ini, and each must include women from every unit.”
She explained that membership requirements include possession of a voter’s card, NIN and APC membership card, stressing that empowerment opportunities would be channelled through these structured groups.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Senatorial Woman Leader, Mrs Elizabeth Ibanga, declared that Ini women understand the electoral process and are fully mobilised. “We have our voter’s cards, our NIN and we are registered APC members. We are ready,” she said.
Member representing Ini in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, reeled out projects executed under Governor Eno’s administration, including road construction, solar-powered water schemes, model primary schools, health centres and appointments of indigenes into government positions.
“We never had it this good,” he said. “Once Ini people say yes, their yes is yes. We will deliver and even double our votes in 2027.”
The House of Representatives member, Prince Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, linked federal and state collaboration to ongoing development, noting that presidential support enables governors to deliver at the sub-national level. He called for sustained backing of President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio, while also appreciating the enduring legacy of the First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno of blessed memory.
In her remarks, the First Lady-designate of Akwa Ibom State, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, applauded the unity and capacity displayed by Ini women.
“To the beautiful women of Ini, I greet you. I have seen your capacity. I believe these are the women who will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she said. “Based on your promises and your preparedness with your voter’s cards, NIN and APC cards, we trust you will deliver.”
Representing the governor, the Deputy Governor described Pastor Umo Eno as a gender-friendly leader committed to inclusive governance and women’s economic advancement.
“He has sent us to check if you have been taken care of, and from what we have seen, the answer is yes,” he said. “Beyond voter registration and party membership, ensure your cards are valid and not defaced. Revalidate where necessary.”
She further urged women to build strong cooperative clusters with a minimum of 100 members per ward to qualify for upcoming trader and farmer grants, reiterating that the ARISE Agenda is anchored on self-employment, unity and shared prosperity.
The tour in Ini reaffirmed the administration’s “Akwa Ibom United” message and underscored the strategic role of women as grassroots mobilizers, economic drivers and decisive electoral stakeholders in the state’s political future.