… Donates Educational Tablets, Gift Packs To 500 Female Students, Pupils
UYO
The need to prioritise the education and welfare of girls and sustain investment in the girl child as a powerful and necessary agent of change was re-echoed recently when the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, celebrated the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child.
The First Lady designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on the occasion, restated her commitment to advancing the rights, education and empowerment of the girl child, describing girls as resilient agents of change capable of shaping the future.
Obareki, while addressing 500 pupils and students of public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom, who converged on the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, for the celebration, commended girls in the State for their diligence and innovation.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” Lady Obareki highlighted the importance of recognising the strength, potential and leadership of young girls, even in the face of economic, social and environmental challenges.
She noted that many girls have excelled in academics, entrepreneurship and community development, emphasising that the administration of Governor Umo Eno, through the ARISE Agenda, remains committed to creating an enabling environment for the girl child to thrive.
“This theme challenges the old narrative that paints the girl child merely as vulnerable. Instead, it positions her as a powerful, necessary agent of change – a resilient leader navigating, surviving, and actively rebuilding the world amidst crises.
“Through GIFA, we are making targeted investments in leadership and learning, focusing on mentorship and equipping our girls not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and character needed for future leadership roles,” she said.
Obareki, who acknowledged the provision of the U-Lesson educational tablets by the Educational Empowerment Scheme of the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, parents, educators and community leaders to dismantle social and cultural barriers that limit girls’ opportunities.
She urged parents and guardians to prioritise the education and welfare of their daughters, stressing that families serve as the first line of defence against abuse and discrimination, encouraging girls to believe in their abilities, embrace learning, and take charge of their future with confidence.
Speaking, the State deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, emphasised that a woman’s role extends beyond building homes, to taking on leadership positions in various professional fields, and encouraged girls to take their education seriously to attain such leadership roles.
Eyakenyi who noted that the Child Rights Law is operational in the State, commended Governor Eno for his remarkable efforts in advancing the education of Akwa Ibom children, leading to significant representation of women in all sectors of his administration.
While setting the tone for the day, the commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, maintained that the event, organised to commemorate the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, had brought together female stakeholders and a seasoned speaker to educate, enlighten, motivate and inspire the girls to be confident and to activate their potentials.
During a mentoring session, the guest speaker and creative director of House of Borah, Mrs Ifiokobong Akan, urged the girls to pursue their purpose and blend it with creativity, emphasising that every powerful woman begins as a determined girl, whose resilience, emotional control and constructive debate, will take her to greater heights of success.
She restated that education opens doors to opportunities, and called on girls to be consistent with their studies in order to seek and receive equal rights and opportunities as the boy child.
On behalf of the other girls who came for the event, Miss Miracle Johnny expressed gratitude to the First Lady designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for celebrating and inspiring them to aspire to become future leaders.
Goodwill messages were presented by the member representing Urue-Offong/Oruko State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon Precious Selong; immediate past chairman of the State Secondary Education Board, Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon; Special Assistant to the Government on General Duties, Hon Ann Abraham; Coordinator of ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs Mercy Eka and a facilitator of the RHI, Mrs Emem Orok.
High point of the event was the distribution of the U-Lesson RHI/NDDC educational tablets to the girls to aid their teaching and learning process in school, as well as personal care gift packs to all the girls present, with a stern warning to school teachers and principals against taking the tabs from the children.
The event also featured the cutting of an anniversary cake by the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, supported by the State deputy governor and other stakeholders, as well as a special presentation from members of Akwa Ibom Young Professionals.
Discussion about this post