…assures women of economic empowerment and rural development
Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, has assured the women of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area that the ongoing World Bank-assisted oil processing mills will be completed on time. This assurance was given during her inspection of ten mills under construction in the area as part of the Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP).
Deputy Governor Eyakenyi, representing Governor Pastor Umo Eno, praised the women for their dedication to the project, particularly their efforts in acquiring land for the mills through their Women’s Affinity Groups (WAGs). She emphasized that the initiative aims to enable Akwa Ibom women to achieve self-reliance by participating in the agricultural value chain and expressed satisfaction with the increasing economic awareness among the women.
Highlighting the qualities of innovation, support, and industriousness among women, Senator Eyakenyi noted that these attributes motivated the state government to partner with the World Bank for these projects, which are expected to benefit the entire community when women are empowered.
“Our women are productive, enterprising, and hardworking. Empowering them supports not just their families but the entire community,” she stated. “The success of the Nigeria For Women Project in the pilot six Local Government Areas showcases the capabilities of Akwa Ibom women. Despite joining the scheme later, our state received an award for the best formation of Women Affinity Groups, enrolling over seventy-seven thousand women in six Local Government Areas, leading to these projects.”
Governor Umo Eno is committed to expanding the project to all thirty-one Local Government Areas to ensure widespread benefit for Akwa Ibom women. This effort is part of the broader strategy for economic empowerment and rural development in the state.
By the end of the month, sixty mills are expected to be operational in the six Local Government Areas, significantly impacting rural communities. The Deputy Governor commended the contractors for their dedication and urged them to maintain their efforts until the projects are completed and delivered.
Accompanying the Deputy Governor were the Head of Civil Service, Elder Efiong Essien, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Margaret Edem, and State Coordinator of the NFWP, Barr. Ofonime Etuknwa.
