July 05, (THEWILL) – Uyo Senatorial District Women stakeholders have expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for recognising women’s roles as the October 26 local government elections in the state approach.
The women showed their excitement during a Stakeholders meeting led by the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Women’s Matters, Uyo Senatorial District, Hon. Elsie Esara, at the Kings and Queens Montessori School Hall, Ewet Housing Estate over the weekend.
Our Correspondent reports that Governor Umo Eno had emphasised the importance of gender inclusiveness in the upcoming local government elections, stating that each state constituency must produce at least one female LG chairman, LGAs with male chairmen must have female vice chairmen, and each LG zone should produce at least one female Councillor.
During the meeting, Hon. Esara, the convener, expressed gratitude to the governor for acknowledging that women are capable of handling significant responsibilities in the state. She encouraged women stakeholders to be strategic in selecting individuals to serve in their areas to ensure effective service delivery.
“The governor has shown great support by recognizing the significant role women play at the grassroots during elections. He has provided opportunities for us at all levels of local government: state constituencies, local government zones and wards. We must reciprocate this gesture by nominating credible candidates to work.
“Ensure that the candidates you nominate are deeply rooted in their wards, LGAs, and zones, and will provide effective representation if elected.”
“All our efforts as women are focused on supporting our mother, the governor’s wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, to succeed beyond 2027. We must all work diligently to ensure victory for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the October 26 LG elections”, Esara urged.
She also announced plans for female stakeholders in the state to begin a tour to educate women on appropriate behavior and professionalism when seeking or holding an elective position.
Hon. Itoro Etim (PhD), representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, stressed the importance of decorum as a key quality to attract credible women to politics, which has traditionally been male-dominated. She called on women in politics to demonstrate good conduct and actively encourage younger females to get involved and advance in the field.
Furthermore, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Obonganwan Grace Ekong, emphasised the significance of mutual respect, political knowledge, self-confidence, and attentive listening to navigate the political landscape effectively and play a strong role in practical politics.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of respect for authority, spouses, unity of purpose, and making wise decisions to avoid errors that may arise from following the crowd.
Attendees at the meeting included the former SSG, the SSG’s wife, female Honorary Special Advisers, female Board chairmen and members, wives of lawmakers, female lawmakers, female chairmen, female vice chairmen, female State party executive members, chapter women leaders of the PDP, and others.
