Governor Umo Eno has announced a ₦20 million cooperative support fund for each of the 369 wards in Akwa Ibom State, a major economic intervention expected to channel about ₦7.38 billion into grassroots women-led enterprises.
The governor made the announcement during a women’s mobilisation and sensitisation programme in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, describing the initiative as part of his administration’s broader strategy to strengthen women’s businesses and expand economic opportunities at the community level.
According to him, the cooperative fund will be open to all women in the state regardless of political affiliation, stressing that the programme aims to promote inclusive economic participation and improve livelihoods across communities.
Eno explained that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be required as part of the identification process for beneficiaries to ensure proper documentation and transparency in the disbursement of the funds.
“The money is meant to assist women in their small businesses and improve their economic activities across the wards,” the governor said.
He also commended members of the coordinating committee for touring the 31 local government areas in the state to sensitise women on the programme and encourage widespread participation.
The Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, praised the governor for what she described as his consistent commitment to women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
She urged women across the state to organise themselves into cooperative societies to benefit from the fund and other government empowerment initiatives.
Eyakenyi further encouraged women to obtain their PVCs and complete their National Identification Number (NIN) registration to enable them to participate fully in government programmes.
In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Helen Obareki, thanked residents of Nsit Ubium for the warm reception accorded to the delegation, describing the visit as a homecoming.
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She also called on the people to continue supporting Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwa, represented by his wife, Dr. Inemesit Uwa, donated ₦5 million in support of the cooperative initiative and commended the governor for prioritising women’s economic empowerment.
The traditional ruler and Oku Ibom Ibibio, Solomon Etuk, also praised the programme, describing it as an initiative capable of strengthening women’s businesses and supporting family welfare across communities.
He offered prayers for wisdom and guidance for the governor in leading the state.
The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Iniobong Ekong, noted that Governor Eno had contributed significantly to the development of Nsit Ubium even before assuming office, adding that the administration’s policies were already delivering tangible benefits to communities.
Similarly, the Special Adviser in the Bureau of Cooperative Societies, Alice Ekpenyong, said the programme reflects the governor’s vision of positioning women as key drivers of economic growth in the state. She explained that the funds would be disbursed directly through registered cooperative societies to eliminate intermediaries and ensure transparency.
The State Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom, Obongawan Obonono Uko, said the mobilisation exercise was also aimed at appreciating the women of Nsit Ubium for their continued support for the administration.
Officials noted that the cooperative support initiative is expected to expand financial inclusion, strengthen grassroots businesses and enhance economic opportunities for women across all 369 wards in Akwa Ibom State.
