January 06, (THEWILL) — The Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, has called on women in the area to intensify efforts toward voter registration, revalidation and updating of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Nkutt made the call at the New Year get-together organised by Itu Female Stakeholders and held at Kings and Queens Montessori Schools, Ewet Housing Estate, Itu.
Addressing the gathering, the council chairman stressed that voter participation remains the foundation of democracy, noting that citizens who fail to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be excluded from the electoral process.
He urged women to take responsibility by encouraging their children and wards of voting age to visit available INEC registration centres to ensure they are eligible to vote during the 2027 elections.
The chairman also used the occasion to drum support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling on the women to sustain their backing for the party at both state and national levels.
Hon. Nkutt, who attended the event alongside his wife, Mrs Idongesit Nkutt, commended the unity and togetherness exhibited by the women of Itu, describing the forum as a positive example of collective engagement. He encouraged women from other local government areas to emulate the initiative.
In his remarks, the member representing Itu–Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, expressed appreciation for the consistency and unity displayed by the women, noting that he had attended the event for three consecutive years.
Rt. Hon. Okon observed that the gathering had continued to grow in size and impact each year and called on leaders to instil values of love, unity and mutual respect in the younger generation to promote stable family life and societal harmony.
Earlier, the leader of the forum and former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Obonganwan Grace Ekong, said the event was organised to provide women with an opportunity to relax and socialise, away from family and work pressures.
She emphasised the importance of taking time out to unwind and interact with others, noting that such activities help to reduce stress and improve mental and physical well-being.
The meeting featured generational dances, exchange of gifts and other social activities to foster unity among women of different age groups.
In attendance were several prominent sons and daughters of Itu and friends from other local government areas, including the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet; the Commissioner for Housing, Dr Henry Archibong; former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Ini Adiakpan; Dr Ekaete Okon, Mrs Elsie Esara and the Chapter Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Itu, Evangelist Inemesit Eduok.
Also present were women leaders and executive members of both the APC and PDP in Itu Local Government Area, as well as academics and other notable stakeholders.
