By John Ogunsemore
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has affirmed that the coordination of all activities and engagements related to women in the state falls solely under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
Eno made the clarification at the national combined service of All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket on Sunday.
According to the governor, the responsibilities of the Ministry of Women Affairs are clearly defined regarding the management of women-related affairs.
He stressed that there should be no conflict, ambiguity, or confusion between the ministry’s role and that of the Office of the First Lady and its pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
The governor stated that all aides to the Governor on women’s mobilisation are expected to work with the Commissioner for Women Affairs to ensure seamless coordination of all women-related matters in the state.
The governor, who lost his wife in September, announced days after that his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, being Personal Assistant to her late mother, would coordinate the office of the First Lady of the state.
At Sunday’s church event, the governor reiterated that his daughter serves as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and the Golden Initiative for All.
He added that while GIFA was originally a pet project of the late First Lady, the programme would continue beyond her tenure and stands as a foundation in her memory, dedicated to touching lives.
The governor further emphasised that the choice of Mrs. Obareki as Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady was based on her competence, as she had worked closely with her mother, the First Lady, as a Personal Assistant.
Eno said this allowed her a unique opportunity to understudy and gain experience.
He noted that, aside from being his first daughter, Mrs. Obareki’s experiences over the years have distinguished her as the most capable person to coordinate the office’s activities.
The governor, therefore, appealed to women in the state to extend their support to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Mrs. Obareki.
The governor expressed gratitude to all who attended the church service and prayed for God’s blessings on everyone.
