GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 110,000 WOMEN THROUGH COOPERATIVES

GOV ENO TO EMPOWER 110,000 WOMEN THROUGH COOPERATIVES

…commends FG for LPG distribution, women empowerment programme in A’Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to empower 110,000 women across the State in October 2026 through cooperative societies.

The Governor, who disclosed this at an event marking the launch of the Federal Government’s rural women empowerment initiative and the distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in Akwa Ibom, said at least 300 women would be selected from each ward across the state.

He described women empowerment as critical to social welfare and a major component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, noting that women have the capacity to multiply whatever is entrusted to them.

According to him, the state’s planned empowerment programme is designed to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which is already providing financial support to women across Akwa Ibom to establish and expand their businesses.

Governor Eno commended the Federal Government and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, for bringing the LPG ( cooking gas) distribution programme to the State, with 27,000 households targeted as beneficiaries.

“This programme goes beyond the distribution of gas cylinders. It is about improving lives, protecting our environment and delivering economic opportunities directly to 27,000 households,” the Governor said.

Governor Eno described gas as more than a commodity, saying it is a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, small and medium-sized enterprise development and long-term economic prosperity.

He said the programme demonstrated that Akwa Ibom was not only a major producer of gas resources but was also becoming a destination for gas-based investments and downstream utilisation projects.

“We are particularly pleased that this programme prioritises women, youths and vulnerable households. Empowering women creates a multiplier effect that strengthens families, communities and local economies,” he said.

The Governor noted that the programme’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, skills development and economic inclusion complemented the State government’s efforts to create sustainable livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for residents.

He further stated that access to cleaner cooking gas would help households reduce energy costs, improve health outcomes and protect women and children from the dangers associated with traditional cooking fuels.

Describing Akwa Ibom as “open for business,” Governor Eno invited investors to explore opportunities across the gas value chain, including LPG plants, cylinder manufacturing and maintenance centres, gas storage facilities, transportation and logistics, clean cooking solutions, gas processing, petrochemicals, gas-based manufacturing and energy infrastructure.

He assured investors that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment through transparent governance, infrastructure development and collaboration with the private sector.

The Governor also called for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his administration, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, commended Governor Eno for what he described as visionary and impactful leadership in the State .

Ekpo said the event marked the launch of two major national interventions in the state: the rural women empowerment initiative for entrepreneurship development and the Akwa Ibom State partnership activation and distribution of LPG cylinders under the Decade of Gas National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme.

He said the programmes were designed to promote women’s dignity, safety, enterprise and wellbeing in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

The minister also commended President Tinubu for placing women’s empowerment at the centre of national development.

“Women’s empowerment and clean energy cooking are deeply connected because both begin at the household level and create wider benefits for health, enterprise, family wellbeing and community development,” Ekpo said.

Among those present at the event were the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, represented by his wife, H.E Dr. (Mrs.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Distinguished Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Ph.D, Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; legislators; local government chairmen; and other government officials.