All is set for the official launch of a flagship conservation and livelihood empowerment project jointly funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) Nigeria, and implemented by the Women in Nature Conservation Organization (WINCO).
In a statement issued by WINCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Emem Umoh, the statewide project launch and empowerment ceremony will hold on Friday, October 24, 2025, at FEYREP Hall, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The event will feature the empowerment of beneficiaries of WINCO’s livelihood training on Jackfruit Value Chain Development. Beneficiaries will receive essential tools and equipment to support sustainable production and marketing of Jackfruit products, aimed at promoting climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
The Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, will deliver the keynote address, while the programme will also include a tree-planting flag-off and showcase innovative community-led projects promoting environmental sustainability, forest restoration, and rural livelihood improvement.
Governor Umo Eno will grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Lady Ronke Olubamise, National Coordinator of UNDP GEF SGP Nigeria, and Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), who will deliver goodwill messages.
Other dignitaries expected include the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong; former Governor Deacon Udom Emmanuel and his wife, Martha Udom Emmanuel; as well as senior government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, and environmental stakeholders from across the country.
Speaking ahead of the event, Emem Umoh described the project as “a milestone in community-driven conservation,” emphasizing its role in promoting local participation in ecosystem restoration and empowering women and youth as drivers of sustainable development.
The initiative focuses on strengthening the protection and restoration of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, one of Nigeria’s critical biodiversity hotspots. It targets the planting of 25,000 indigenous and mangrove trees, while advancing inclusive environmental governance and supporting local livelihoods.
This landmark launch further highlights Akwa Ibom State’s growing leadership in conservation, climate action, and sustainable community development.
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