Members of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District’s Female Councillors’ Forum have been commended for their resolve to mobilise grassroots support for Governor Umo Eno’s administration in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon.Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, who made the commendation on Monday, April 20, 2026 while receiving in the audience, the forum members in her office, said such a decision was reciprocal, considering Governor Umo Eno’s gender-friendly disposition toward women in the state.
The Commissioner who had earlier lauded Governor Umo Eno for upholding the policy of inclusivity, which she noted, had given the women the opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of the state, urged the councillors to make judicious use of the opportunity given to them.
She advised them to always identify with the women and other members of their communities, particularly at the time of their needs.
The Women Affairs Boss who thanked the forum members for the gift presented to her, urged them to ensure that they left lasting legacies in their various communities, pointing out that, “such efforts will pave the way for your political relevance in the society now and in the future.”
While urging them to ensure effective representation at the local level, the Commissioner disclosed, “without sounding immodest, when I was a councillor, representing my people in 1999, I tried my best to make sure I carried the people along by identifying with their needs, especially those who were in dire need of assistance in terms of accommodation and economic livelihoods, so try and do your best for your people,” she advised.
Hon. Mrs. Etukudo urged female councillors to mobilize women in their respective wards to register with the ARISE Cooperative Societies.
The Commissioner, who thanked the councillors for the visit, urged them to remain loyal to Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as their benefactor.
Earlier in her speech, the President of the Forum and leader of the delegation, Hon.(Dr) Lydia Akpan, lauded the women affairs boss for serving as a path-finder for the women of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district in particular, and Akwa Ibom women in general.
She said the essence of the visit was to formally congratulate the Commissioner on her meritorious appointment as a member of the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council in the capacity of Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
The President pledged her group’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry in advancing the cause of women in the state.
While appreciating Governor Umo Eno’s giant strides since assuming office, the President pledged her organization’s resolve to mobilise women at the grassroots for the continued success of the Umo Eno led administration in the state.
The President who paid glowing tribute to the Commissioner’s consistent rise to power, starting from councillorship in 1999 to several other political positions, said her members were willing to adopt her as their political mentor, expressing the hope that such mentorship will ultimately enable them to deliver on their assigned responsibilities.
In her remarks, the Director of Administration and Supplies in the Ministry, Mrs Affiong Nkom commended the Commissioner for serving as a shining light for the women in the state through her unwavering commitment in delivering on duties assigned to her at all times, urging the female councillors to emulate her.
While appreciating the forum members for their visit, the Director who also covers duties for the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, urged them to work harmoniously with their Council Chairmen in order to ensure peaceful and efficient administration at the local government level.
High point of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir to the honourable Commissioner by the leader of the team, Hon.(Dr) Lydia Akpan, assisted by other members.
Media Unit
Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare
