Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel, the wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, has praised the excellent leadership qualities displayed by the Uyo Senatorial Women Forum (USDWF), predicting greatness in the state’s girls and upcoming women in the near future if the current leaders’ footsteps are followed.
The first lady made the remarks while laying the groundwork for the Uyo Senatorial District Women Forum (USDWF) House/Martha Udom Emmanuel Leadership Academy in Uyo, the state capital.
According to her, when the academy is finished, ladies and girls who are willing will be taught the tenets of good living such as decent dressing, public communication skills, respect for elders, and so on.
Martha, who expressed appreciation to the Women’s Forum for naming the huge project after her, pledged her total support to ensure that the project is completed and commissioned on record time even when she is out of office.
She, however, called on leaders in different capacities in the state, especially those from Uyo Senatorial District, to rally support and contribute their quota to ensure the timely completion of the project.
“This forum is not for putting on uniforms and dancing at state rallies, but to bring up young people, teaching them the basics of life and living.
“I am calling on all the wives of the Local Government Chairmen in Uyo Senatorial District to talk with their husbands to make sure that the name of their respective LGAs is mentioned in the success of the project.
“Every member of this forum, I urge you to make sure you contribute your quota, according to your ability, so you would be proud to call the project your own,” She urged.
Speaking, the Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, says he will ensure that all his campaign promises, especially touching the women, will come to fulfilment.
Represented by the Board Chairman, Uyo Capital City Development Authority, (UCCDA), Mr. Enobong Uwah, Pastor Umo Eno said learning from the incumbent Mr. Udom Emmanuel has given him the assurance that he will not fail.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the women for their huge support during his election in the state, saying that Uyo Senatorial District gave him a greater part of the votes that gave him success at the pools.
The National Assembly member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, said that the academy was apt and imperative, as it would give women and girls the needed virtues to manage the home and the society at large and attract progress.
Luke, who was the chairman on the occasion, appreciated the recent legislation against gender-based violence achieved by the wife of the State Governor, which has let to rest all forms of violence in homes involving gender issues in recent times.
He, however, offered his services as a tutor in the academy when completed, as he is rounding off his services at the National Assembly at the end of May 2023.
“Whenever I assume public office, my desire is to impact the younger generation in my own way. I will offer myself as one of the tutors in the academy when completed,” Luke stated.
Earlier in her welcome address, the President of the forum, Ekaete Ebong Okon Ph.D, thanked the First Lady for finding time to grace the occasion, explaining that the decision to name the centre after the Governor’s wife was in recognition of his numerous achievements on gender-based issues.
She mentioned that the first lecture in the academy would be delivered by Mrs Martha Emmanuel, thanking God that her wish to have the foundation of the project laid in the lifetime of Martha Emmanuel’s administration and to have her perform the duty has come to pass.
The structure, according to Okon, would be completed with administrative offices, lecture rooms, mini conference halls and a main auditorium with 1,500 seating capacity among other facilities.
