RismadarVoice Reporters
October 14, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has called on members of the Oron Union Women’s Wing to support President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in forthcoming elections.
Eyakenyi appealed on Tuesday, October 13, during a courtesy visit by the organisation’s leadership to her office at Government House, Uyo.
She said the Eno administration had undertaken several infrastructure and human capital development initiatives across Oro Nation, describing the projects as part of the government’s commitment to inclusive development under the ARISE Agenda.
The deputy governor highlighted investments in road construction, education, healthcare, tourism, youth development and women’s economic empowerment.
She identified the Oron Beach project, ARISE Palm Resort, compassionate homes, youth development centres and the proposed rehabilitation of Marina Road in Oron among the administration’s development initiatives.
Eyakenyi also disclosed that ferries intended for the Oron-Calabar waterway and an associated jetty were ready, while work on the Oron Beach project was progressing.
She announced plans to introduce the ARISE Women Cooperative Network to expand economic opportunities for women, alongside vocational training programmes for women and young people.
Speaking on national economic policies, Eyakenyi attributed increased funding available to state and local governments to reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.
She argued that the reforms had strengthened the capacity of subnational governments to undertake development projects and urged Nigerians to allow more time for their implementation.
“We must allow the economic reforms of the President to mature. Quick fixes won’t help,” she said.
On security, the deputy governor expressed concern over child trafficking and other forms of abuse in Akwa Ibom State.
She referred to the reported rescue of 12 children and the arrest of suspects in connection with trafficking cases, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Eyakenyi encouraged women to report suspected human trafficking, rape and other forms of gender-based violence to the appropriate authorities, including the state’s Gender-Based Violence Committee.
She stressed the importance of community participation in preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable residents.
The deputy governor also invited members of the organisation to participate in the cooking exhibition planned for Christmas Unplugged 4.0, describing the event as an opportunity to promote Akwa Ibom’s culinary heritage.
Congratulating the newly elected executives of the Oron Union Women’s Wing, she urged them to demonstrate integrity, accountability and commitment to community development.
She further encouraged experienced women leaders to mentor younger women and prepare them for leadership responsibilities.
Earlier, the International President of the organisation, Mrs Kate Hensley, called for closer cooperation between government, traditional institutions, security agencies and women’s groups in addressing human trafficking and expanding economic opportunities.
Hensley commended the state administration’s development initiatives in Oro Nation and expressed the organisation’s support for Governor Eno and his deputy.
She said the group had conducted anti-trafficking awareness campaigns in churches, markets, town halls and other public spaces.
According to her, collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons had contributed to arrests and the rescue of at least 28 trafficking victims, including women and children, who were subsequently reunited with their families.
The visit featured the presentation of the organisation’s uniform to the deputy governor.
The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Joseph Edidem, and other officials attended the meeting.
