Dep Gov Charges Girls To See Themselves As Future Leaders, Change Agents

… As First Lady Designate Expresses Commitment To Dismantling Barriers That Hinder Girls’ Growth, Dev 
By Edidiong Obot 
UYO 
The Akwa Ibom deputy governor has charged young girls across the State to see themselves as future leaders and agents of change, capable of transforming their communities and the world at large.
Dr. Akon Eyakenyi gave the charge during the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child celebration held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, recently, which brought together 500 female students and pupils from the 31 local government areas of the State.
The event, organised by the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, had as its theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”.
Eyakenyi, who was the special guest of honour, lauded the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and his wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, for their commitment to the empowerment and protection of the girl child through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) — the pet project of the First Lady.
According to the deputy governor, “Our girls must understand that they are not just beneficiaries of today’s opportunities, but the architects of tomorrow’s society. You are the future leaders – in government, business, science, and every field imaginable. Believe in yourselves, take your education seriously, and lead with compassion, courage, and confidence.”
She further encouraged parents, teachers, and community leaders to support the dreams of young girls, saying that empowering one girl means empowering a whole generation.
In her remarks, the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, expressed profound appreciation to the First Lady for her vision and commitment to the welfare of women and girls through GIFA.
Obareki described the International Day of the Girl Child as “a global recognition of the potential and resilience of every young girl,” adding that this year’s theme challenges the world to see the girl child not as weak or dependent, but as “a powerful and necessary agent of change.”
Lady Obareki reaffirmed that under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, the Office of the First Lady has remained committed to dismantling barriers that hinder girls’ growth and development, such as financial exclusion, gender-based violence, and harmful cultural practices.
“Through GIFA, we are investing in mentorship, leadership training, and skill development for girls — equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and character needed to lead in the future,” she said.
Obareki also called on stakeholders, including government agencies, parents, teachers and community leaders, to renew their commitment to the education, safety and empowerment of every girl child in the State.
Delivering a goodwill message, the commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, commended the First Lady Designate for her passion and excellence in championing the cause of the girl child.
Etukudo noted that Akwa Ibom women, children, and the elderly “need your kind of dedication,” while encouraging continued collaboration to build a more inclusive State.
In a lecture titled, “The Power of You,” a motivational speaker, Ifiokobong Anthony Akan, urged girls to recognise their worth and divine purpose, saying: “God created you to be confident and empowered. Be bold, visionary, compassionate, and consistent. Keep showing up and be the change.”
Students and pupils from various local government areas participated in a spelling competition, with winners receiving prizes during the event.
The event also featured goodwill messages by the member for Urue-Offong/Oruko State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Precious Selong; immediate past chairman of the State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), Dr Ekaete Ebong Okon; Special Assistant to the Government on General Duties, Hon Ann Abraham; among others, who stressed the need for sustained investment in the girl child as the surest path to sustainable development.
High point of the celebration was the symbolic presentation of gifts to the girls and cake cutting, marking the end of a colourful and inspiring occasion.