The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to empower 110,000 women across the state through cooperative societies as part of efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
Governor Umo Eno disclosed the plan in Uyo during the launch of the Federal Government’s rural women empowerment initiative and the distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders to beneficiaries.
According to the governor, the state’s programme is scheduled to begin in October 2026, with at least 300 women selected from each ward across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas.
Women to Receive Economic Support
Eno described women’s empowerment as a major component of his administration’s ARISE Agenda, stressing that supporting women can have a wider impact on families and local communities.
He said the state’s initiative would be implemented through cooperative societies and would focus on helping women establish or expand businesses and create sustainable sources of income.
The governor said the programme would complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative, which is already providing financial assistance to women in Akwa Ibom.
27,000 Households Targeted for LPG Support
The governor also welcomed the Federal Government’s LPG distribution programme, which targets 27,000 households in the state.
He said access to cleaner cooking energy could help reduce household energy costs while improving health outcomes and reducing the risks associated with traditional cooking fuels.
Eno further described gas as an important driver of industrialisation, job creation and small-business development, noting that Akwa Ibom has opportunities across the gas value chain.
FG Highlights Women and Clean Energy
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the programmes launched in Akwa Ibom were designed to promote women's economic empowerment alongside cleaner cooking.
He said the two initiatives were aimed at improving women's dignity, safety, enterprise and wellbeing in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope agenda.
The minister also emphasised the connection between women's empowerment and clean-energy access, saying both initiatives begin at the household level but can generate broader benefits for communities.
The Akwa Ibom Government said it expects the planned empowerment programme to strengthen rural businesses, improve household incomes and create new economic opportunities for thousands of women across the state.
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