Speaking at the event, Prince Abel Adinya, Chairman of the occasion, commended HAEI for taking the initiative to engage with the community and deliberately including vulnerable groups in its empowerment and civic education programmes.
By TheInvestigator
The Hope Ability Empowerment Initiative (HAEI) has empowered 150 widows and women with disabilities across the 10 wards of Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment and inclusive participation in the democratic process.
The programme, held at the Bekwarra Council Hall in Abuochiche, focused on voter education, community participation and livelihood support for vulnerable women.
Speaking at the event, Prince Abel Adinya, Chairman of the occasion, commended HAEI for taking the initiative to engage with the community and deliberately including vulnerable groups in its empowerment and civic education programmes.
Adinya said genuine empowerment goes beyond the distribution of material items, stressing that access to information and civic empowerment equips people to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in society.
He urged the beneficiaries to take voter registration seriously and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), describing the card as an important instrument for exercising their civic responsibility.
The chairman also encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in elections and vote for candidates of their choice, noting that citizens have a responsibility to take part in choosing leaders who represent their interests.
He further commended the organisers, facilitators, community leaders and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the programme.
Also speaking, Executive Director of HAEI, Dr Martina Ongbonya Ntino, said the initiative was designed to promote inclusive participation in the electoral process while supporting the organisation’s commitment to the Fourth Alteration Campaign.
Ntino explained that the 150 beneficiaries were drawn from the 10 wards of Bekwarra Local Government Area, particularly widows and women living with disabilities who may face barriers to accessing civic information and economic opportunities.
She said voter education was essential, particularly for marginalised groups and people in rural communities, where access to information about the electoral process could be limited.
According to her, the programme sought to empower beneficiaries not only with material support but also with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions about their lives, families and communities.
She urged the women to ensure they were properly registered and had their PVCs, while encouraging them to participate peacefully in elections and vote according to their convictions.
“Knowledge is power. Your vote is your voice. Your participation matters,” she said, stressing HAEI’s belief that no woman should be left behind and no person with a disability should be excluded from community and democratic life.
As part of the empowerment component, the beneficiaries received raw materials, including wrappers, to support their livelihoods and economic activities. Transportation support was also provided to facilitate their participation in the programme.
Ntino expressed appreciation to community leaders, stakeholders and partners for supporting the initiative, and called for continued collaboration to expand opportunities for vulnerable women and persons with disabilities.
