The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has called for the inclusion of more women in governance.
Speaking at the Conference of Female Mobilizers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Uyo on Tuesday, the Speaker described women as key players in the development process of the family, state and nation.
“It is possible to have three female Senators from the three Senatorial Districts. It is also possible to have eighteen female Commissioners and eleven councillors in our respective wards. It can happen. But that means you (women) need to re-strategize and prepare yourselves for the big task ahead. We must really recognise the importance of women, as key players, in the progress and development of every society”, he said.
To take up key positions in the society, the Lawmaker called on the women folk to strive for self-empowerment, entrepreneurship and self-development, urging them to see themselves as change agents for the progress of Akwa Ibom State.
“PDP beyond 2023 means going beyond politics to self-empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainability. It means collectively becoming change agents for the development and progress of Akwa Ibom State. I am happy because women are advancing true democracy in the state”, he said.
While urging the female mobilisers to remain steadfast with the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Speaker urged them to take advantage of his pet project, the ‘Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey Youth Entrepreneurship Support Scheme’ (RHAB-YESS), which he pointed out has so far given special support to over 324 indigenes of the state.
He described the PDP Mobilisers as stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project and vowed to support the group in its programmes and activities.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the group, Mr Ubon Itele, said the group would ensure the success of PDP in future elections and called for more support from necessary stakeholders.
Goodwill messages came from the Chairman, State Secondary Schools Board, Mrs. Ekaette Ebong Okon, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Mrs Janet Amba and Coordinator of PDP Mobilizers in the state, Comrade Hannah Archibong amongst others.
Press Unit,
Office of the Speaker,
Akwa lbom State House of Assembly.
