A’Ibom Marks 2025 Int Women Day with Calls for Action on Gender Equality
By Theresa Donatus
The 2025 International Women’s Day was celebrated in Akwa Ibom on March 8, with key leaders outlining the importance of accelerating efforts to achieve gender equality.
Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, led the charge in recognizing progress made while urging continued work to address the ongoing disparities that women face globally.
The event, held at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo, the event, themed “Accelerate Action,” brought together key figures including the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Deputy Governor, and other government officials, as well as women from across the state.
Lady Obareki acknowledged the advancements women have made in Akwa Ibom but pointed out the persistent issues, particularly in areas such as girls’ access to education and women’s representation in leadership positions.
“Girls are still denied education, and women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles across the globe, including Nigeria. These setbacks highlight the urgent need for further action to ensure that women, irrespective of where they live, have the opportunity to flourish,” said Lady Obareki.
As part of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), Lady Obareki emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering women through advocacy and various programs designed to support vulnerable women.
She reassured the audience that GIFA would continue to roll out impactful initiatives to enhance women’s dignity and opportunities.
In his address, Governor Umo Eno praised the contributions of women in Akwa Ibom and reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment.
He highlighted the importance of women’s involvement in governance, as seen in the various appointments under his leadership. To demonstrate his support, the Governor announced the empowerment of 15 women with brand new mini-buses to aid in their transportation businesses through the Akwa Ibom State Female Commercial Drivers Association.
Furthering his commitment to women’s empowerment, Governor Eno also directed the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development to collaborate on offering a workshop and tools for a young female automobile electrician upon completion of her internship.
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The event also featured a march-past by women from Akwa Ibom’s 31 Local Government Areas, cultural performances, and exhibitions of agricultural products from across the state. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, urged everyone to embrace the “Accelerate Action” theme, which calls for collective action to improve gender equality and empower women and girls.
In a keynote address, retired Permanent Secretary Mrs. Bassey Eshiet strongly condemned harmful cultural practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage, encouraging women to pursue education and modern technology to overcome such barriers.
The celebration ended with a call to action for greater support and commitment to women’s rights, as leaders in Akwa Ibom State renewed their pledge to advancing the cause of gender equality.
