Women, Civic Power and the ARISE Agenda

Women, Civic Power and the ARISE Agenda
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‎By Lucy Daniel
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‎The ARISE Women Sensitization Tour held yesterday in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State offers more than a local political narrative; it speaks to a broader global conversation about inclusion, democratic participation and sustainable governance in emerging democracies. At a time when voter apathy and democratic fatigue are rising across parts of Africa and beyond, the initiative provides a practical example of how governments can reconnect with citizens, particularly women, at the grassroots.
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‎Globally, evidence from countries that have prioritised women’s civic participation shows a strong correlation between inclusion and stability. From community-driven governance models in Rwanda to local economic cooperatives in parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America, women’s engagement has consistently strengthened accountability and development outcomes. Governor Umo Eno’s approach aligns with this international best practice by treating women not as a voting bloc to be activated at election time, but as long-term stakeholders in governance.
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‎The tour’s focus on Permanent Voter Card registration, National Identification enrolment and political party e-registration reflects an understanding that democracy begins with access and documentation. In many developing societies, administrative barriers, rather than lack of interest, often exclude women from political participation. By directly addressing these gaps, the Akwa Ibom State Government is lowering the threshold for inclusion and reinforcing democratic legitimacy from the bottom up.
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‎Importantly, civic engagement in Akwa Ibom is being paired with visible development. In Ukanafun and Oruk Anam, the ARISE Agenda has translated into roads, healthcare facilities, Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens and targeted economic infrastructure. The modern palm oil processing mill in Oruk Anam, designed to empower women and strengthen the rural economy, mirrors global development strategies that prioritise value addition, local productivity and women-led enterprise.
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‎Such policy coherence matters. International development experience shows that civic education is most effective when citizens can point to concrete improvements in their quality of life. Political participation, in this context, becomes rational and informed rather than symbolic. The endorsements recorded during the tour therefore reflect a political response to governance outcomes, not mere partisan loyalty.
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‎The encouragement of cooperative formation further situates Akwa Ibom within a global development framework. Cooperatives have long been recognised by institutions such as the International Labour Organization and the United Nations as vehicles for inclusive growth, particularly for women in rural economies. By promoting this model, the Umo Eno administration is anchoring political participation in economic empowerment, ensuring that civic responsibility is reinforced by opportunity.
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‎Politically, the implications are clear. As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, leadership sustainability will increasingly depend on credibility at the grassroots. The ARISE Women Sensitization Tour demonstrates a conscious effort to build that credibility early, through engagement rather than imposition. It positions Governor Umo Eno not only as a local administrator, but as a sub-national leader aligning governance with globally recognised democratic principles.
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‎In an era where citizens are demanding more transparency, inclusion and performance from those in power, Akwa Ibom’s experience offers a lesson with relevance beyond its borders. Democracies endure when leaders invest in people, especially women, as partners in decision-making.
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‎Ultimately, the political message from Ukanafun and Oruk Anam is unmistakable: leadership that delivers, listens, includes and earns legitimacy. As 2027 approaches, Governor Umo Eno’s strategy suggests that continuity in governance will be argued not merely on promises, but on a record that resonates locally and stands up to international democratic standards.
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