Wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, says she will continuously engage in economic empowerment of women in the state through her pet project, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), to give the womenfolk a pride of place and enable them contribute their quota to the betterment of the society.
The Governor's wife stated this on Friday, March 8, 2024, during the 2024 International Women's Day celebration with the theme 'Count her in: accelerating Gender Equality through economic empowerment', held at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.
While calling on women, who she described as the backbone of their families, to brace up as the task of ensuring gender equality in the society is enormous, the First Lady stressed the need for women to be given equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.
"On my part, I am committed to the holistic economic empowerment of Akwa Ibom women through my recently launched project, the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, and I have no doubt that with your support, we will achieve a great deal.
"Today, beyond the fanfare and elaborate display of the rich culture and economic opportunities that abound in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, I urge Akwa Ibom women, as the backbone of their families and communities, to brace up for the task ahead as enunciated in the theme of this celebration “Count her in : accelerating Gender Equality through economic empowerment “, which reminds us of work that still needs to be done in achieving gender equality," she noted.
While pouring encomiums on the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for being gender-friendly as demonstrated through the many opportunities given to women to serve in the present administration, the Governor's wife, however, requested for more women to be engaged by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Pastor Patience Eno expressed optimism that working together, women can create a future where every woman and girl child would have unhindered access to education, finances and leadership as well as decision-making positions in the society.
Speaking at the event to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, applauded Akwa Ibom women for their contributions, giant strides and unwavering commitments towards the growth and development of the state.
Pastor Eno, described as apt, the theme of the celebration as it reflects the critical layer of the ARISE Agenda which centers around the promotion of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME's) in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He challenged Akwa Ibom women whom he described as the engine of every household to engage in farming to ensure food sufficiency for all in tandem with the Agricultural revolution of the ARISE Agenda while he pledging to continue to run a gender inclusive government as reflected in all strata of his administration.
The Governor lauded his wife, Pastor Patience Eno for the great initiative she launched recently, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), noting that a key component of this initiative is on the training of the Girl Child aimed at preparing them to be competitive in the market place of ideas in the future.
In a welcome remark, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, thanked Governor Umo Eno for allotting 30 percent of political positions to women as part of efforts in ensuring gender parity.
She solicited for gender responsive budgeting, establishment of inclusive schools for persons with disabilities, provision of social welfare for various segments of the society and massive involvement of women in agriculture.
A keynote address presented by Dr. Uyai Akpanobong, indicated that Akwa Ibom State has prioritized inclusiveness and economic empowerment to change societal stereotype, charging women to eschew biases and foster collective strength while contributing to the overall advancement of women in society.
Goodwill Messages were received from professional organizations including Ikwo Abia Esq. of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA); Mrs. Atim Ekpa representing the National Council for Women Society (NCWS); Comrade Nsikak Okon of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ); Mrs. Grace Jumbo representing Excellence Community Welfare Scheme (ECWES,) Dr. Aniebuk Iwok from the Medical Women Association of Nigeria(MWAN); and Maria Akpan Esq. from the Nigeria for Women Project.
The event featured cutting of the International Women’s Day Cake, March-past, cultural displays and inspection of farm produce exhibition stands mounted by women from all the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
In attendance were Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Government Functionaries, Service Commanders, Development Partners, Professional Women Groups, Stakeholders, Women Groups among others.
Media Unit
Office of the Wife of Governor, AKS
March 8, 2024.
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