Eno donates 15 mini-buses to female commercial drivers

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, PhD has donated 15 brand new mini-buses to female commercial drivers in commemoration of the 2025 International Women’s Day.

The donation, which was given under the platform of the Female Commercial Drivers Association, was for their transportation businesses.

The media unit of the Office of the First Lady of the state revealed in a statement in Uyo on Sunday that Governor Eno has directed the Ministries of Women Affairs and Youth Development to collaborate and work towards providing a young female automobile electrician with a workshop and work tools once she completes her internship in May.

The governor, who made the promises during the celebration of the IWD which had the  theme: “Accelerate Action” held at Ibom Hall Uyo, said he would  continue to support women and inspire them for greatness.

Eno stated that the Office of the First Lady will be empowered to act decisively against all forms of Gender Based Violence and all obnoxious practices against women.

“I will empower 15 female drivers under the platform of the Akwa Ibom State Female Commercial Drivers Association with 15 brand new mini-buses for their transportation businesses.

“Also, the Ministry of Women Affairs and that of Youth Development should collaborate and work towards providing a young female automobile electrician with a workshop and tools once she is done with her internship in May,” he stated.

While speaking, the Akwa Ibom First Lady Designate, Helen Eno Obareki said she would do all within her powers to scale up the dignity of women in multiple spheres in the state.

Obareki mentioned that in some parts of the country, girls were still being denied access to education, while women are not allowed to serve in leadership positions.

She said, though women in Akwa Ibom have fared well in the administration of Eno, more work was needed to ensure they receive equal rights and opportunity in the society.

“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.

Obareki said the various empowerment programmes of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), were targeted at giving women a voice in the society.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas stated that the 2025 International Women’s Day is a time to reflect and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in all spheres of life.

Silas said the theme of the event is a call to everyone to step forward, take charge and work relentlessly towards advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls to realize their full potentials.

In a keynote address, a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Bassey Eshiet, condemned obnoxious cultural practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, land and property inheritance, as well as gender parity meted out on women.

She called on women to take up opportunities in education and modern technology.