March 08, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Government has allocated 40 percent of political appointments and positions to women, a figure the administration says exceeds the 35 percent affirmative action benchmark recommended at the 1995 Beijing Conference.
The state Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, disclosed this in Uyo on Sunday, during a thanksgiving service at the Apostolic Church to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day and the conclusion of a statewide women’s civic sensitisation tour.
She said the policy reflected the commitment of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to expanding women’s participation in governance and decision-making across the state.
Eyakenyi noted that the level of inclusion recorded by the current administration was unprecedented in the state’s political history.
“For the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, after 35 years, a woman is standing before you as an elected deputy governor”, she said.
According to her, women currently occupy several strategic positions in the state, including chief judge, head of service, commissioners, local government chairmen and vice chairmen, as well as supervisors and aides to the governor.
She added that the governor had consistently ensured that women were considered in appointments and leadership roles in the state.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day, “Rights, Justice and Action”, the deputy governor said protecting women’s rights was essential to maintaining peace and stability in families and society.
She also referenced historical struggles for women’s rights, noting that the 1929 women’s uprising commonly associated with Aba involved women from Ikot Abasi in present-day Akwa Ibom State.
Eyakenyi said the state government had implemented policies aimed at economic empowerment for women, describing financial independence as key to their effective participation in politics and leadership.
She disclosed that the 2026 state budget includes provisions to support women through cooperative societies across the 31 local government areas.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, commended the deputy governor and the women who participated in the statewide sensitisation tour, which focused on civic responsibilities and political participation.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Inibehe Silas Etukudo, said the tour, held between February 26 and March 6 across the 31 local government areas, was designed to educate women on their civic rights and encourage greater involvement in public life.
