Niger Delta
Activist Lauds Akpabio For Gender Balance
A gender equality activist in Esit Eket, Akwa Ibom has applauded the gender friendly disposition of Gov. Godswill Akpabio’s administration in the state.
Mrs. Ima-obong Abia, in an interview with newsmen in Eket, described the Governor as a gender friendly leader who encouraged women to achieve their potentials in politics.
Abia said the numerous opportunities offered the women to contribute their quota to the development of the state had empowered them.
She commended the government for giving women the opportunity to occupy strategic positions, including members of the State Executive Council, transition committees and the first female Chief Judge of the state.
Abia further commended the election of three women into the state council of the PDP at its congress.
On economic empowerment, Abia who is an accountant, said the Women Agricultural Entrepreneurial Development Programme (WAEDP) targeted at women in agriculture had benefited 4,500 women in the first phase.
She explained that the scheme provided a revolving loan of N250,000 for 4,500 women from 31 councils in the state.
She advised the beneficiaries to invest the interest free loan judiciously to eradicate poverty and generate more economic activities to enable others to access the facility.
According to her, women in the state have achieved the 35 per cent affirmative action in elective and appointive positions, a feat she said other states in the country are yet to achieve.