By Staff Reporter
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that the state will host Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the 2026 commemoration of International Women’s Day scheduled for Saturday, March 7.
According to a press release issued on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umana, the event will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and is expected to draw prominent women leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners and grassroots stakeholders from across the country.
The celebration will be held under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,” focusing on the promotion of gender equality and recognition of the achievements and contributions of women in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
As part of activities marking the visit, the First Lady will commission the ARISE Senior Citizens’ Centre, an initiative of the wife of the governor, Patience Umo Eno. The centre is designed to cater to the welfare and wellbeing of elderly citizens in the state.
The purpose-built facility, located within the Medical Corridor along the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road, features a primary health care clinic, laboratory, pharmacy, supermarket, lounge, library, orchard, games room, gymnasium, chapel and counselling unit, as well as kitchen and dining facilities.
The project is the first in a planned series of similar centres to be established across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Governor Umo Bassey Eno, on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom, welcomed the First Lady and her delegation, describing the visit as a significant honour for the state.
The governor noted that the visit reflects Akwa Ibom’s growing national recognition in the areas of gender-responsive governance and social development.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive society where women are empowered to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
The governor further called on residents of the state, particularly women, to turn out in large numbers to give the nation’s First Lady a warm reception during her visit.
