Dozzier News Dozzier News
visits Ikot Abasi, Eket and Oron Federal Constituencies
The Forum of Female Appointees Akwa Ibom State, Thursday, flagged-off an empowerment programme for grassroots women across the 329 wards of the state.
The empowerment programme according to the Coordinator of the Forum/Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, aims at complementing the empowerment efforts of the gender-friendly Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife at the grassroots.
At the Ikot Abasi local government council secretariat, venue for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, women from Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo local government areas, respectively received financial supports for businesses, bags of rice, facemasks and hand sanitizers.
Speaking at the event which was held in strict compliance to the Covid-19 safety protocols, the Commissioner added that it was their little way of saying thank you to the Governor and wife for considering them for various appointments, and as well to the women who stood firm with the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel during the last elections.
The Women and Agric boss noted that the female appointees which comprise of State Executive Council members, Board Chairmen and members, Personal Aides of the Governor and local government supervisors, tasked themselves financially to give back to the rural women, stating that they consider themselves privileged to serve in the government.
She said it was her belief the financial grants will go a long way in advancing their businesses, and advised that they make judicious use of it.
The Honourable Commissioner also spoke against the rising number of gender based violence especially rape in the state, calling for all cases to be reported to appropriate authorities for prosecution.
She as well advised the women to adhere religiously to the safety protocols given by the state government to halt the spread of Covid-19, positing that it was her belief that the pandemic would soon be over.
Earlier, the deputy coordinator of the forum, Professor Maria Ikrok, thanked the women for supporting the government and said the empowerment was a way of saying thank you to the women.
She urged the women to take advantage of the school-on-radio programme of the state government by ensuring their wards listen during this period.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Gloria Ukpong, said the empowerment programme for the grassroots women was their own way of replicating the efforts of the state Governor and wife at the grassroots. She urged the recipients to invest the funds wisely.
The team thereafter left for Eket local government council secretariat, venue for Eket Federal Constituency where women from Eket, ONNA, Ibeno and Esit Eket local government areas waited patiently to be empowered.
Recieved by the wife of the Chairman of council, Mrs. Bright Archibong, the team led by the Honourable Commissioner wasted no time in empowering the women.
Brief speeches on rape and Covid-19 were given by some female appointees for the benefit of the women.
The train finally berthed in Oron Federal Constituency where women from the five local government areas that make up the federal constituency gathered at the Oron local government secretariat for their turn.
Female appointees of Oro stock such as Hon. Alice Ekpeyong, Hon. Precious Selong and wives of local government chairmen were on ground to offer their goodwill messages.
A cross section of women beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Governor and wife for providing them with a lifeline, promising to support them till 2023.
The Forum will tomorrow visit Federal Constituencies in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district where grassroots women will also be empowered.
2nd July, 2020
