By Moses Praise
In a renewed demonstration of its commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment, the Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its partnership with the Women in Nature Conservation Organisation (WINCO).
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by WINCO's management team to the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources. The delegation was led by the Director of Administration, Mrs. Aniefiok Jackson, alongside the President and members of the WINCO Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society.
Receiving the delegation, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, commended WINCO for its outstanding contributions to environmental conservation and rural development across the state.
"I am particularly pleased with what WINCO is doing, especially in the area of environmental sustainability," the Commissioner said. "When we talk about the environment, it should remain our priority. I commend your organisation for its positive impact and the innovative ways you are improving the lives of rural communities in Akwa Ibom State."
Rt. Hon. Ekong also praised WINCO's efforts in promoting value addition through its jackfruit value-chain initiative. He disclosed that he became acquainted with the organisation's work during the recent World Environment Day celebration, where he was impressed by the variety of jackfruit products on display and the robust value chain developed by the organisation.
He further revealed that the Ministry plans to collaborate with WINCO on the large-scale cultivation of jackfruit within designated government forest reserves. According to him, the initiative is expected to boost production, enhance food security, and create sustainable livelihoods for local farmers.
"It will also be wise to focus on processing and marketing as critical components of the value chain," he advised.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for WINCO's programmes in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno's administration, which places strong emphasis on agriculture and rural development. He noted that the state government has approved the disbursement of billions of naira to cooperative societies to empower farmers, women, and rural entrepreneurs.
He therefore encouraged members of the WINCO Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society to register and take advantage of the intervention programmes, noting that such opportunities would enable women to cultivate high-yield crops such as jackfruit while strengthening household incomes and local economies.
Speaking, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of Women in Nature Conservation Organisation WINCO Mrs. Emem Umoh, ably represented by the Director of Administration, Mrs. Aniefiok Jackson, expressed appreciation to the Rt. Hon. Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, Management and Staff of the Ministry for its renewed commitment to environmental sustainability and community empowerment which she said would strengthening its partnership with the Women in Nature Conservation Organisation, WINCO, and used the medium to officially commend the United Nations Development Programme, Global Environment Facility- Small Grants Programme (UNDP GEF-SGP) for its role in scaling grassroots community actions into international milestones through the support of establishment of a Cottage Industry in Esit Eket Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.
Mrs. Umoh also highlighted the organisation's major achievements. According to her, WINCO has established Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies in Esit Eket, Essien Udim, and Uyo Local Government Areas, while also setting up a cottage industry in Esit Eket through the support of UNDP GEF-SGP to improve livelihoods and stimulate local economic development.
She disclosed that more than 4,000 Community members across Esit Eket, Abak, Essien Udim, Ibiono Ibom, and Uyo Local Government Areas have benefited from WINCO's training and mentorship programmes in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, and ecosystem restoration.
Mrs. Jackson further explained that the organisation has mentored over 120 youths and women in climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, and food resilience. She added that WINCO's jackfruit value-chain project has empowered women through eco-friendly business training and the provision of clean cookstoves, processing equipment, and other essential tools needed to establish and grow sustainable enterprises.
In her vote of thanks, the Director of Climate Change, Mrs. Ini Umoh, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Commissioner, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Uduak Eyo Nsa, and other ministry officials for granting the delegation audience despite their demanding schedules.
She described the meeting as productive and reaffirmed WINCO's commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government in advancing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community-based development initiatives.
She noted that the strengthened partnership reflects the government's unwavering commitment to empowering grassroots organisations and promoting sustainable development that will improve the livelihoods of communities across the state.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Aniefiok Jackson, Director of Administration; Pastor Ibanga Abasiufon Ikosong, President of the WINCO Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society; Mrs. Emmanso Nnana, Secretary of the Board of Trustees; Hon. Akaninyene George, Member of the Board of Trustees; Prince Moses Praise, JP, Director of Communication; Mr. Nsikak Ben, Director of the Technical Department; and Mrs. Uwem Hezekiah, Community Relations Manager.
WINCO Communication/Media Directorate
