Edu Says Akwa Ibom Projects Could Expand Economic Opportunities for Women

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council’s Women Mobilisation Directorate, Dr Betta Edu, has said infrastructure projects commissioned in Akwa Ibom State could create economic opportunities for women, farmers and small-scale business owners.

Edu spoke during a visit by members of the directorate to the state, where they held a town hall and empowerment meeting with Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and women from different communities. The delegation also visited hospitals to support patients.

She commended Governor Umo Eno for the projects, which she said could stimulate economic activities, improve transportation and create employment opportunities across the state.

President Bola Tinubu commissioned several projects executed by the state government on November 6, 2026, including the Ibom Aviation Village, ARISE Palm Resort and road infrastructure.

Edu said the aviation and hospitality investments could generate business opportunities in catering, transportation, tourism, retail trade and other sectors, particularly for women entrepreneurs.

She also identified the Airport-Okopedi Road and Ring Road 3 as important infrastructure projects that could improve rural connectivity and access to markets for farmers.

According to her, improved road networks would help reduce transportation costs, limit post-harvest losses and make it easier for rural women to transport agricultural produce to Uyo and other urban centres.

She added that better road access could improve residents’ access to healthcare facilities, schools and markets.

Edu also described the International Airport Hospital as an important healthcare investment, particularly for women, children and vulnerable groups.

She said the projects reflected the development priorities of the Tinubu administration and called on relevant stakeholders to ensure that women-owned businesses, farmers and skilled workers benefited from the economic opportunities expected to emerge from the investments.

Edu expressed confidence that the projects would strengthen the APC’s grassroots support in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 elections. She also said the state’s target of delivering two million votes for Tinubu in the presidential election was achievable.