Governor Umo Eno has commended his Senior Special Assistant on Female Mobilisation, Lady Edna Udeme, for her outstanding efforts in empowering young women across the state through entrepreneurial training and mentorship.
The Governor gave the commendation on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during the 9th Anniversary and Graduation Ceremony of the fifth batch of 200 trainees of the Female Youth Association (Purple Girls), an initiative founded by Lady Udeme, held in Uyo.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Governor Eno lauded the initiative for transforming the lives of hundreds of women by equipping them with vocational and business skills. He described Lady Udeme as “a true ambassador of the ARISE Agenda” whose commitment to youth self-reliance aligns perfectly with his administration’s development vision.
“We are celebrating a movement today. I’m proud of what Lady Edna Udeme is doing. This is a true representation of what the ARISE Agenda stands for — giving young people the tools to earn a living and build a future,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno announced a ₦20 million support grant to the empowerment academy and encouraged other political appointees to emulate Lady Udeme’s initiative. “Just imagine if everyone who has been empowered by government gave back in their own little way — our state would be better for it,” he remarked.
The Governor also congratulated the graduating trainees, urging them to make good use of their starter packs to create sustainable livelihoods and support their families.
Earlier, Lady Edna Udeme said the organisation was born out of her passion to help young women become productive citizens and active participants in government empowerment programmes. She thanked the Governor for his continuous support and reaffirmed her commitment to his administration’s success.
The Chairperson of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Oto Aaron, and the Grand Matron of the Association, Mrs. Funmi Nkanga, wife of a former military governor, both praised Lady Udeme for her foresight and consistency in youth development.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of empowerment kits — including sewing machines, catering equipment, photography tools, and hairdressing materials — to 200 new beneficiaries.
