In furtherance of her commitment to women’s empowerment, wife of Etung local government chairman, Lady Akine Njar Anom, last weekend , marked International Women’s Day 2025 with a series of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of women in the region.
The week-long celebration, which culminated on March 8, centered on fostering self-reliance, promoting gender equality, and uplifting widows, elderly women, the physically challenged, and the less privileged.
The festivities commenced on Friday, March 7, with a visit to Government Science School, Effraya, where Lady Akine donated writing materials to students and sanitary pads to adolescent girls, underscoring the importance of education and menstrual hygiene.
On March 8, at the Local Government Council Headquarters, Effraya, the First Lady expanded her outreach with a large-scale empowerment initiative designed to promote financial independence and entrepreneurship among women.
Beneficiaries of the initiative received included financial grants for self-development; sewing machines for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs; cocoa spraying machines to support women in agriculture; cooking gas cylinders to encourage clean energy adoption in households; as well as high-quality wrappers.
Lady Akine emphasized that these donations were carefully selected to enhance economic sustainability, self-reliance, and productivity among Etung women, ensuring that they become active contributors to community development.
Addressing the gathering, Lady Akine celebrated the resilience and strength of women, stressing their indispensable role in families, communities, and nation-building.
“Today, we are beautifully adorned and gathered in our numbers to celebrate our uniqueness as women, thanks to the First Lady of our state, our mother, Her Excellency, Bishop Eyoanwan Edet Otu. I sincerely appreciate your presence here today.”
Highlighting the divine essence of womanhood, she stated: “Women play an essential role in the family, community, and nation. Among all of God’s creations, He found that none could bring Adam true joy—until He created the woman. And from that moment, man was no longer sad.”
Encouraging women to embrace their influence and responsibilities, she charged them: “As your First Lady, I urge you to be the neck that supports the head, the backbone of the entire body, and the force that transforms a house into a home. Remain courageous, supportive of your husbands, strong, determined, compassionate, loving, obedient, and above all, God-fearing family builders.”
Lady Akine’s visionary leadership and commitment to women’s empowerment were met with resounding commendation from women stakeholders and community leaders.
Speaking at the event, on behalf of women, the Etung Community Relations Officer (CRO), Mrs. Victoria Egba Njar, lauded the initiative, emphasizing that it would make a significant impact on the socioeconomic well-being of the beneficiaries.
“A mother’s love, sacrifices, and commitment to family and society are immeasurable,” she remarked, applauding the First Lady’s unwavering dedication to women’s advancement.
She further assured the audience that under Lady Akine’s leadership, Etung Local Government Area remains in safe and capable hands.
The event drew a mammoth crowd of dignitaries, including top government officials, community leaders, and women from across Etung.
The celebrations concluded with an insightful pep talk on “Understanding Stress and Its Impact on Women,” delivered by Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Anangabor, further enriching the day’s discourse on women’s well-being and resilience; presentation of gift items; and cutting of commemorative cake to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration.
With the success of this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, Lady Akine Njar Anom has once again reinforced her dedication to empowering the women of Etung, ensuring that they thrive as self-reliant and economically empowered members of society.