The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has reiterated her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through targeted interventions in healthcare, economic empowerment and social protection.
Speaking at a widows' empowerment programme hosted by the Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation (MASLAG), on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with the theme “Empowering Widows: From Resilience to Leadership”, she described the theme as one that speaks not only to survival but to the transformation of widows, who continue to demonstrate remarkable strength despite facing economic hardship, social exclusion and limited access to opportunities.
The First Lady Designate said that the resilience displayed by widows positions them as emerging leaders within their homes, marketplaces and communities, stressing that leadership goes beyond titles to include influence, confidence, self-reliance and the ability to drive change.
“When we empower widows, we are not just supporting individuals; we are strengthening families, stabilising communities and building a more inclusive society. The Office of the First Lady, through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), remains committed to programmes that uplift vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through targeted interventions in healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection. We are working to ensure that no woman is left behind,” she said.
She recalled that in 2025, to commemorate International Widows' Day, 150 widows aged between 25 and 40 were trained in snail and mushroom farming under a widows’ enhancement programme, noting that feedback received from some of the participants has been encouraging, with some beneficiaries now running successful ventures and training others in their communities.
Lady Obareki commended Governor Umo Eno for plans to establish ARISE cooperatives across the 369 wards in the state, describing it as a strategic move to enhance financial inclusion, provide access to resources and promote collective empowerment for Akwa Ibom women, especially widows.
She also encouraged beneficiaries of the MASLAG programme to take advantage of available training, support and resources, urging them to remain confident and purposeful.
“Your story has not ended with the loss of your husbands. It continues in strength, grows in purpose and can rise into leadership. You are not alone. There is a community standing with you, and there are opportunities, such as this, opening up for you to thrive. I urge you to take full advantage of the support, training, and resources provided through this programme. Believe in your capacity.” she added.
Lady Obareki also commended MASLAG, under the leadership of Glory Edet and their partners, for committing hard earned resources towards improving the lives of widows and other vulnerable groups, noting that the foundation’s impact is both immediate and far-reaching.
In her address, the Founder and President of the foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, said the organisation was born out of love and empathy for the less privileged and to honour the memory of Mary Slessor, who ended the killing of twins in the region.
Dr. Edet revealed that the foundation has grown to include over 7,000 registered members, providing a robust support network for the state’s most vulnerable. She said that more than 600 widows had been assisted by the foundation with specialized vocational training and start-up resources to establish their financial independence, adding that the organization’s impact also extends to education, where it provides scholarships and covers school fees for students in tertiary institutions.
Further highlighting the foundation’s scope, Dr. Edet detailed ongoing assistance for multiple-birth families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
She expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, HE Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., for maintaining a peaceful environment that facilitates humanitarian work, while calling on beneficiaries to remain supportive of the state’s administration.
In a goodwill message, the Party Lead of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Dr. Andy Eyo, represented by Mr. Asuquo Etuk, Chief Technical Officer, ECEWS, lauded the foundation’s interventions and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting women and adolescents across the state. In a practical show of support, the organization presented 20 widows with cheques of ₦30,000 each and pledged continued follow-up.
In a keynote address on the theme “Empowering Widows: From Resilience to Leadership, Prof. Eno Etudor-Eyo noted that leadership should be defined by responsibility, accountability and care for people, protecting their growth, welfare and psychological safety, urging the widows to aspire to make a difference.
The Coordinator who supported the foundation with cash for startup businesses owned by widows and wrappers for all the beneficiaries, was accompanied to the event, by the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Enobong Edidem; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga and the Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Mrs Alice Ekpenyong.
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