The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced a cooperative empowerment scheme for women in each ward of the state and a large scale digital skills training programme targeted at youths, as part of the administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and self-reliance.
The State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, made the disclosure on Thursday, June 25, 2026, during the Akwa Ibom State Women Monthly Prayers at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, with the theme, “And The Lord Answered.”
She revealed that the ARISE Cooperative Network would be launched by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno before the end of July, with a plan to inject N20 million into each ward across the state in support of women owned cooperative societies.
The Deputy Governor who said 300 women are expected to be registered in every ward to benefit from the initiative, urged women who are yet to register to do so through their ward structures, noting that registration officials are currently working across the Local Government Areas to capture eligible beneficiaries.
“The programme is designed to touch the lives of less privileged women and provide them with opportunities to engage in meaningful economic activities,” she stated.
Eyakenyi also announced the commencement of a youth digital skills development programme aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge required to secure remote jobs and compete in the global digital economy.
She explained that the initiative targets the training of 1,000 youths from each of the 31 Local Government Areas annually, adding that successful participants would receive laptops from the government upon completion of the programme.
She called on parents and guardians to encourage their children to take advantage of the opportunity by registering through the designated portal whenever the programme reaches their LGA’s.
Speaking on the achievements of the administration, Senator Eyakenyi commended Governor Umo Eno for what she described as prudent resource management and purposeful leadership, noting that the state has continued to witness remarkable infrastructural development.
She further described Governor Eno as a leader who values and supports women, stressing that several of his policies and programmes are designed to improve the economic well-being and social advancement of Akwa Ibom women.
Eyakenyi also urged women to ensure that their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain valid and readable, advising those with damaged or faded cards to renew them ahead of future elections.
Earlier in a sermon, Pastor Ime Owoh highlighted biblical characters that prayed, believed and waited on God and later received the answers to their prayers.
She encouraged the women to emulate the biblical characters by believing that God would answer all their prayers and grant their heart desires.
Prayers were offered for the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki and all leaders across every strata of government, for Godly wisdom, integrity, and the fear of God to lead aright.
The women were also led by Evangelist Eno Charles to pray for guidance on the ARISE Agenda and GIFA; for the peace and security of communities; for preservation against violence, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and every form of unrest.
The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki took the Bible reading at the June prayer meeting which featured song ministration by the Harmonic Voices Chorale International and thanksgiving by the women born in the month of June who were led by the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah.
They donated food items for the humanitarian activities by the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, received by Lady Obareki who thanked them for the thoughtful gesture, after which members of the Female ministers forum mounted the stage in thanksgiving to God on the third anniversary of their consecration and for for answered prayers and divine preservation throughout the years.
