UYO, Akwa Ibom - The 2025 International Women's Day (IWD) was commemorated in Akwa Ibom State with a renewed commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. The event, held in Uyo, brought together government officials, women's groups, and community leaders to reflect on the progress made and to strategize for the future.

Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and daughter of Governor Umo Eno, acknowledged the strides made towards equality but emphasized the need for further action to eliminate gender disparity. Speaking on behalf of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Obareki highlighted the theme of this year's celebration, "Accelerate Action," underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Mrs. Obareki expressed concern over the persistent challenges faced by women and girls in Nigeria, including limited access to education and underrepresentation in leadership positions. She noted that while women in Akwa Ibom have benefited from Governor Eno's administration, more efforts are required to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.

"In various parts of the world, Nigeria inclusive, there are setbacks. Girls are still denied access to good education, and women are underrepresented in leadership roles. This casts a shadow on our celebration and reminds us of the need to recommit ourselves to accelerating action by ensuring that every woman, regardless of background, where she lives or worships, has the opportunity to thrive," she stated.

The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), under Mrs. Obareki's leadership, is actively working to empower women and give them a voice in society. Through various empowerment programs and advocacy against Gender-Based Violence, GIFA aims to provide vulnerable women with lifelines to overcome challenges.

"As an organisation, the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, has worked extensively on giving women the needed voice in our society. Through our various empowerment programmes and advocacy against Gender-Based Violence, we have provided vulnerable women with lifelines to mitigate the challenges they encounter. Under my watch, GIFA remains committed to rolling out life-saving opportunities to vulnerable women in our state. By God’s special grace, in the coming days and weeks, we will use our various channels to accelerate action in a bid to scale up the dignity of women in multiple domains,” Mrs. Obareki affirmed.

Governor Umo Eno, in his address, congratulated the women of Akwa Ibom State and commended their nurturing abilities. He pledged his administration's commitment to an inclusive government where women are given full premium, citing the numerous appointments of women to key positions. The Governor also promised to empower the Office of the First Lady to decisively combat Gender-Based Violence and other harmful practices against women.

As a tangible demonstration of his commitment, Governor Eno announced the empowerment of 15 female drivers under the Akwa Ibom State Female Commercial Drivers Association with 15 brand new mini-buses. Additionally, he directed the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development to collaborate and provide a young female automobile electrician with a workshop and tools upon completion of her internship.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Silas, welcomed attendees to the event and emphasized the importance of reflecting on the contributions of women in all spheres of life. She described the theme, "Accelerate Action," as a call to action for everyone to advance gender equality and empower women and girls.

A keynote address by retired permanent secretary Bassey Eshiet condemned harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and discriminatory inheritance laws. She urged women to seize opportunities in education and modern technology.

The event included a march-past by women from the 31 local government areas, cultural performances, and an exhibition of agricultural products from across Akwa Ibom State. Dignitaries in attendance included Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, the wife of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Margaret Otong, and the State PDP Chairperson, Aniekan Akpan.

The 2025 International Women's Day celebration in Akwa Ibom State served as a platform to acknowledge progress, address challenges, and reaffirm the commitment to creating a more equitable and empowering society for women.