UYO
Akwa Ibom First Lady designate has advocated for networking among women involved in business to strengthen women entrepreneurs to scale up, compete favourably in the global market and drive economic growth.
Lady Helen Eno Obareki made the advocacy when women within the South-South region converged on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Ibom-LED Centre, Uyo, for the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP), South-South Inter-Governmental Engagement Dialogue.
Obareki, who was represented by the member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, noted that women are key drivers for a nation’s growth and given the right support, partnership, funding and innovation to start-up, grow and sustain businesses, women entrepreneurs will contribute to the economic growth of their families and society.
She noted that the “Eka Iberedem Hub,” of the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, is driving the process as the strategic women empowerment programme has brought together women in small and medium scale businesses, grouped them in clusters and helped facilitate their products from the farm to the market.
“Today’s engagement is not just another event; it is a strategic platform to empower women, strengthen networks, and open doors to new opportunities. We recognise that women entrepreneurs are key drivers of innovation, job creation, and inclusive economic growth, hence our commitment in the office of the First Lady to improving women entrepreneurs’ access to finance, as well as supporting initiatives that equip women with the skills, partnerships and policies needed to thrive.
“One of such initiatives is the Eka Iberedem Hub, a strategic programme under the women empowerment thematic area of the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, where we link clusters of women involved in production with markets. The pioneer beneficiaries of the hub, were women involved in palm oil production in Ini, and we look forward to exploring other clusters”, she said.
The coordinator, Office of the First Lady, commended Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for creating meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Akwa Ibom State to receive entrepreneurial equipment support, grants and other empowerment schemes.
In her remarks, the national president of AWEP, Dr. Grace Ukaro, commended the number of women who have risen to become influential voices at decision-making tables.
Ukaro particularly recognised Lady Helen Obareki as a shining star and a beacon of hope for women, reaffirming AWEP’s commitment to supporting women in scaling up their entrepreneurial and export ventures through the AWEP Food and Export Processing Hub, which will enhance their growth in refining local products through improved packaging, branding, certification and access to international markets.
The South-South vice president of AWEP, Josephine Peters, observed that the region is blessed with unique products that can be exported to boost capacity and drive economic growth, emphasising that women must demonstrate resilience, hard work, commitment, capacity building, and collaboration with relevant agencies to fully harness the potential of the AWEP agro-processing hub.
The chairman on the occasion and vice chancellor of Obong University, Professor Emmanuel Umana, highlighted the importance of creating access to opportunities, networks that foster free trade and equip entrepreneurs to thrive in new markets while he advocated for the removal of structural barriers and proposed concrete action plans that would shape a brighter future for women.
The event featured the official unveiling of the ARISE AWEP Food and Export Processing Hub, by the wife of the secretary to the State government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, a brief overview of the project and goodwill messages.
The AWEP South-South Inter-Governmental Engagement Dialogue, which featured exhibitions, had several panel discussions, with panelists sharing their views on Small, Medium and Large Enterprises, African Continental Free Trade Area as well as on Agricultural and Food Security and Export Initiative.
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