Akwa Ibom surpasses Beijing 35% benchmark with 40% women appointments – Eyakenyi

By Ima-Obong Akpantuen

Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, has disclosed that the administration of Governor Pastor Umo Eno has allocated 40 per cent of political appointments and positions to women, describing the development as unprecedented in the political history of the state.

According to her, the figure surpasses the 35 per cent affirmative action benchmark adopted at the 1995 Beijing Conference on Women, which encourages greater participation of women in governance and leadership.

Senator Eyakenyi made the disclosure on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at The Apostolic Church, Uyo, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day and the successful conclusion of the Women Sensitisation Tour on Civic Responsibilities across the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Rights, Justice and Action,” the Deputy Governor stressed that the protection of women’s rights contributes significantly to peace, stability and development within families and society.

She urged women to take responsibility for mentoring younger generations by instilling values of morality, discipline and decency in children.

Eyakenyi also reflected on historical struggles for women’s rights in Nigeria, noting that the 1929 women’s uprising, widely associated with Aba, was originally carried out by women from Ikot Abasi in present-day Akwa Ibom State.

She explained that the current administration in the state has taken deliberate steps to implement the principles of the Beijing Declaration, which advocates stronger political inclusion for women.

“You have witnessed that Akwa Ibom State under Governor Umo Eno has fully implemented the declaration,” she said.
“For the first time in the history of the state, after 35 years, a woman is standing before you as an elected Deputy Governor.”

The Deputy Governor further revealed that women currently occupy several strategic positions in the state, including Chief Judge, Head of Service, Commissioners, Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Supervisors and Special Assistants to the Governor.

“In every appointed position, Governor Umo Eno gives specific instructions and follows up to ensure women get their slots,” she added.

“Today in Akwa Ibom State, we have 40 per cent inclusion, surpassing the 35 per cent benchmark recommended at the Beijing Conference.”

Eyakenyi also commended the governor for various initiatives aimed at economic empowerment of women, maintenance of security and strengthening policies against gender-based violence.

She emphasised that economic empowerment remains critical to enabling women to participate effectively in politics and decision-making.

According to her, provisions have already been made in the 2026 state budget to empower women through cooperative societies across the 31 local government areas, while urging women to pursue their ambitions with humility, resilience and determination.

“When you empower a woman, you empower a whole community,” she said.
“The children and the extended family also benefit. What is left is for us women to arise. That is what the Governor wants, for women to be hopeful, humble and pursue their dreams with every ounce of their being.”

In her remarks, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, thanked God for the successful completion of the statewide sensitisation tour and commended the Deputy Governor for her leadership and dedication.

She noted that Governor Eno has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women, describing him as a gender-friendly leader.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the sensitisation tour, which commenced on February 26 and ended on March 6, was designed to educate women about their civic rights and responsibilities and to encourage greater participation in politics and public life.

Etukudo further noted that the visit of the wife of the President to Akwa Ibom State during the International Women’s Day celebration underscored the importance and national relevance of the programme.

Delivering the sermon, Apostle (Prof.) Ime N. George, who preached from Numbers 27:1–11, emphasised that women and girls are not property or slaves but joint heirs with men in Christ.

He cited the biblical story of the daughters of Zelophehad, who demanded inheritance rights from their father’s property, describing their advocacy as an example of unity and courage in the face of injustice.

Apostle George also commended Governor Eno for recognising the rights of women and appointing them to leadership positions in the state.

The event featured the presentation of awards to the Deputy Governor and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, musical renditions by the ARISE Women Choir and the Apostolic Church Women Fellowship Choir, as well as the distribution of wrappers and cash support to 50 vulnerable women from the church by GIFA.

Dignitaries at the event included the wife of a former governor of the state, Mrs. Fumi Idongesit-Nkanga; Mrs. Comfort Aloysius Etuk; the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah; Mrs. Nyaknno Uwem Okoko; the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; the wife of the state chairman of the APC, Mrs. Kini Ntukekpo; wives of local government chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly, and female political stakeholders from across the 31 local government areas.