Joy Esin empowers over 120 Oron women with business grants
Wife of the Delivery Advisor on Transport in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Joy Esin, on Thursday, March 13, launched the ARISE Empowerment Programme for Oron Women.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Esin noted that the initiative was aimed at complementing the efforts of Governor Umo Eno in women empowerment, entrepreneurship development.
The convener of the empowerment programme further added that the initiative aimed at uplifting women through skill acquisition, financial support, and entrepreneurship training, will reposition the women of the area to be eligible for the numerous opportunities that will come from the projects in the locality brought by the Governor.
In their various remarks, stakeholders from the area described the empowerment programme as a beacon of hope for women across all the Wards in Oron Local Government Area.
The stakeholders also seized the occasion to hail Governor Eno on the flag-off of the Maritime Infrastructure Development Works in Oron, a project, which according to them, is expected to revolutionise trade, tourism, and employment in the coastal region, as well as expressed gratitude for the equipment financing and empowerment of their constituents by the Governor.
Also speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Orman Esin, former Commissioner for Transport and Project Delivery Advisor, emphasised the project’s transformative potential, disclosing that it will not only revive maritime transportation but also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, strengthening the maritime economy, enhancing tourism, and providing sustainable income for the people.
Hon Esin noted that the project aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritises economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, adding that the inclusion of a recreational garden and beachfront is expected to attract tourism and boost local businesses.
She commended Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State, for her significant strides in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, gender based violence and child advocacy through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), where she has provided educational support to over 15,000 pupils and launched an adult education program to enhance literacy and vocational skills. She noted that her healthcare initiative, GIFA Wheels of Hope, delivers free medical services to rural communities, with plans for a mother and child hospital and over 5,000 women have benefited from her economic empowerment programs.
On their part, the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, while thanking Mrs Esin for her kind gesture, expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s vision and unwavering commitment to the development of Oro Nation which continues to empower the community, especially women, through structured development programs and projects and urged the women to take advantage of it
One of the beneficiaries, Madam Uduak Effiong, shared her joy, saying that for years, they struggled to find opportunities, but today, they are witnessing a new Oro where women are given financial support, children are in better schools, and men have jobs, emphasizing that Governor Eno has truly transformed their lives.
Adding to the joy at the council hall in Oro, the recently upgraded Oron Medical Centre continues to deliver top-notch healthcare services, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care. The facility, now equipped with modern equipment and well-trained personnel, has drastically improved maternal and child healthcare, emergency response, and specialized treatments.
An indigene of the area, Mrs Mercy Anwana , recalled that before they always had to travel long distances to access proper medical attention, but now, world-class care is available right in Oron through Governor Eno’s magnanimity.
The people also thanked Governor Eno for a modern learning facility that will ensure Oro children receive quality education in a conducive environment as parents, teachers, and pupils alike rejoiced at the sight of the well-equipped classrooms, promising to make the most of the government’s investment in their future.
The healthcare improvements, alongside the economic and educational transformations, solidify Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to making Oro a model of sustainable development.
The event was attended by a cross section of women groups across all the wards, market women, among others. Highpoint of the event was the empowerment of over 124 women across all the wards with business grant and wrappers .The event concluded on a high note, with the women enjoying a well-prepared buffet, ensuring a merry moment which some termed ‘HappyHour’.