Women empowerment: “Akpabio deserves kudos”

The wife of the Akwa Ibom State gover nor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has said that the high number of women in elective and appointive positions in the state is due to the favourable disposition of the state governor Chief (Dr.) Godswill Akpabio to gender issues. 

She made the remark recently during a House Warming Prayer Meeting hosted by the Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, at the new Deputy Governor’s Lodge, Government House, Uyo, to give thanks to God and the women of the state for their support in her political career.

The deputy governor had earlier appreciated the governor’s wife for her role in empowering women politically in the state. She had noted that Mrs. Akpabio was not only a rallying point for the women but also the number one advocate to her husband for policies that favour women and for the promotion of Affirmative Action for women through appointive and elective offices.

She thanked God for giving the state not just a promise-keeping  governor who has kept faith with his social contract with the people but also a governor’s wife who is supportive and compassionate.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel appreciated the women for their loyal and consistent support to the government of the state.

Earlier in her sermon, Bishop Josephine Eggah had urged the women of the state to imbibe the qualities of hard work and loyalty as there is always a pay day. Reading from  Revelation chapter 3 verses 7 and 8, she noted that God is in the business of opening doors, but that every man or woman would be repaid according to their deeds. Prayers were offered for the nation, the state government, the governor and his wife and for peaceful transition in the 2015 elections.

The colourful and well attended event was graced by clergy women, women politicians, youth and women’s groups, royal fathers and mothers from across the state.