The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has commended female members of the State House of Assembly for joining their voices in
advocating for the special seats for Women Bill.
The Bill seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate, House of Representatives and the House of Assembly in each state of the federation and the FCT.
The First Lady Designate gave the commendation on Friday, July 18, 2025, when the female lawmakers in the state paid her a courtesy visit in her office at Government House, Uyo.
While also applauding them for their efforts on grooming young girls to know their rights, Lady Obareki told the female legislators that she was open to advice, counselling and guidance from them.
Speaking on behalf of the the female legislators, the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Selena Ukpatu who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, extended the greetings of the Eighth Assembly to the First Lady Designate, noting that as female parliamentarians, they are commmitted to support all the programmes of her office.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, praised Governor Umo Eno for championing women’s representation in all strata of his administration, adding that with the female legislators in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, the rights of the girl-child, children and women are protected and assured.
The member representing Uruan State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations & Finance – Hon.. (Dr.) Itoro Etim, member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency and member House Committee on Education – Hon. Kenim Onofiok and member representing Urue-Offong/Oruko State Constituency and member House Committee on Boundary Matters – Hon. Precious Selong were present at the meeting.