How prepared is your wine jar?

While cleaning the bathroom few days ago, I stumbled on the positive pregnancy test strip which marked the beginning of our testimony. It was the first out of hundred strips which eventually showed those two life-changing lines after months and years of dedicated checking. 

I had kept it concealed and hidden for fear that throwing it away would change my status or undo the 'deed' Lol.

I smiled at my childish thought as I recalled my long walk to victory.

Like every newlywed, I was highly expectant of conception within the first 6 months of marriage but when it didn't happen after a year, I knew something needed to be done.

Being a lover of natural remedies, I opted for fertility herbs which I knew were particularly helpful for conception. When the result wasn't forthcoming, I consulted those in the field and got enough tradomeds out of which I made teas and enemas. Still unsatisfied with the result, I began increasing the prescribed dosages to see if that would hasten my system's response to the infusions yet, nothing happened. I rather overloaded my organs with the broth that I started stooling and vomiting simultenously for days, before Dr. Ubong Gideon came to the rescue. A second year passed.

After that encounter, Hubby and I washed our hands and feet off native treatments and began seeking medical attention. It was then we discovered after the myriads of checks and examinations that the supposed problem was far from the herbs we were blindly romancing. 

We commenced treatment immediately, while believing God for the desired result. Trust me, going the medical route was quite expensive, tiring and time-consuming. There were days we felt tired and discouraged. There were days we'd make a transfer to the laboratory and shed tears at our account balance, but we were glad we weren't treating blindly this time. 

Funny enough, we patiently followed through that phase until we were certified "okay" medically still, we no see the belle. Another year passed. 

We intensified our prayers and increased our faith but I didn't sit still. I went back to my herbs joor (kikiki). "There's nothing you'd tell a woman trying to conceive ... she must seek Somehow, I had this conviction that if the herbs we took previously yielded no result, it must have been because we were simply consuming them amiss. So, having found a problem which the 'white' medicine finds difficult to cure (in my thoughts), the 'black' would definitely have a solution for it.

Thus, I began another fresh careful start with the herbs, making sure not to get into trouble this time and boom....the lines on the strip doubled!

Now, this isn't about glorifying herbs or medical services. It's about the things we do while "waiting on God". It's about how prepared we are to receive God's blessings.

A lot of times, we expect God's blessings in emptiness. It's like going to harvest without a bag; where do you intend putting the crops you'd harvest?

We pray for admission without writing JAMB; pray for a job without hunting and applying or having the requisite skills for the job. Some persons can not even prepare their CV, not to mention being employable; we pray for financial breakthrough yet, with no business at hand.

I've heard people pray for wisdom and knowledge without reading 

I've also heard people who are financially unstable fasting and praying to get married.

And then, people pray to conceive without running the necessary checks on their reproductive organs? 

How would these 'miracles' happen if you don't play your own part of the game? 

So, before you begin questioning God and pointing accusing fingers at Him, check to be sure you're not hindering His visitation.

Maybe you should also see the Doctor 

Perhaps, you should loosen up on your mindset 

It could be that (person's) right you're sitting on

Or the unforgiveness/bitterness in your heart about another person's happiness 

It could even be a sin you're not willing to let go

Or that child/adult you're maltreating

Hindrances to prayers come in different forms...so, be sure you're not the problem. Make yourself ready for that miracle because before the water turned into wine someone, filled the jars.

Helen Obareki Plans Financial Empowerment for Adolescent Girls

Priscilla Akpanettot 

Lady Helen Obareki has announced plans to equip adolescent girls in Akwa Ibom State with skills that will strengthen their financial foundations.

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, said this on the occasion of the 2025 International Day of the Girl-Child, celebrated in Uyo on Monday, October 13, 2025 with the theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis".  

She explained that the initiative was pertinent to transform the economic landscape for adolescent girls in preparation for a safe and secure financial future.

Observing the steady growth and development of the girl-child in Akwa Ibom State, the Coordinator submitted that the girls were no longer waiting for a better world; "they are diligently building it. They are excelling in our schools, taking initiatives in their little corners, and embracing entrepreneurship with passion and innovation".

For this, she sued for a need to help the girls overcome the barriers of financial exclusion, which she noted was one of the crisis they face. 

Lady Obareki informed that the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) was intentional about enhancing the course of the girl-child and would stop at nothing to ensure that girls were empowered.

"Under the visionary ARISE Agenda of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and through the commitment of the Office of the First Lady,...our pet project, the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA)...has been strategically designed to ensure that the global goals for girl-child empowerment are translated into tangible local impact".

"Through GIFA, we are making targeted investments in enhancing leadership and learning, with focus on mentorship and equipping our girls not just with knowledge, but with the confidence and character needed for future leadership roles".

"These are strategic investments in a girl's dignity, her education, and her empowerment, which will yield returns across health outcomes, economic growth, and generational stability".

"We must understand that when a girl's right to safety, education, and health is compromised, it is not just her future that is jeopardized, but the collective future of our State", she said.

She therefore called on government agencies, community leaders, parents, teachers, men and boys to renew their commitment to the girl child and her advancement.

Even more, she urged the Girls to embrace their strength, own your voice, and never stop learning. 

"You are the heartbeat of our progress, and the leaders the world is waiting for. Believe in your potential, regardless of the crisis that surrounds you. Be the change you lead", she charged; while calling on parents and guardians to prioritize their girl-children's physical, emotional well-being and education over outdated practices.

In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of the State, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi supported the motion for the empowerment of the Girl-child.

She stressed that acquiring the relevant skills and training, and having the necessary exposure will advance the intelligibility of the Girl-child.

She therefore advised the Girls to aim for whatever they want and take their education seriously, adding that a woman can also take on leadership positions in various professional fields, apart from their roles in the home.

Earlier, Mrs. Ifiokbong Anthony Akan, Guest Speaker and Creative Director, House of Borah at the occasion had charged the Girls on principles they must strictly adhere to, to attain their dreams of becoming successful.

The principles, according to her include: determination, identify, leadership and resilience; purposefulness, among others.

The event featured a drama presentation against child abuse by the Akwa Ibom Young Professionals and  a spelling session.

Educational Tablets and Gift Packs were also given to 500 Female Students and Pupils in attendance.

Another highlight of the event was the cutting of an anniversary cake by the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, supported by the Deputy Governor and other stakeholders.

In attendance were: the Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Etukudoh; the Commissioner, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga; Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah; Mrs. Comfort Bob, Hon. Ekaette Ebong, some Local Government Chairperson, among others.

Trader Head Condemns Forceful Unionism, bullying of unregistered sellers across markets

 

...says no one should be denied the right to earn a living from the market

Priscilla Akpanettot

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Umo Eno on Market Matters and President, Akwa Ibom Traders Association, Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael has condemned the act of forceful unionism and bullying of traders who refuse to be part of select Unions operating within markets across the State.

He described the seizure of such people’s goods as theft and warned Unions to desist from such act or face the full wrath of the law.

This was one of the discussions which held sway at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Akwa Ibom Traders Association on Friday, October 3 2025 at Governor’s Office Annexe in Uyo.

The SSA who spoke strongly against the act of forcing sellers to be part of respective Unions said it was an act of high-handedness and wickedness to prevent people from earning a decent means of living in the market, and a breach of their fundamental human rights.

He however encouraged the traders to register with any market union of their choice to enjoy incentives and benefits such as access to funds and government support.

“There’s freedom of Association and people are entitled to their freedom. If anybody wants to be part of your Union, its’s fine. If they don’t, it is their choice. Forceful unionism is illegal. No one should force you to join any market Union. If you are harassed for not joining a Union, call me and we will seek legal redress”, he stressed.

Tracing the history of the Association to 2011, the Trader Head observed that its unity, organization and discipline had given traders a strong political voice and positioned it as the second strongest and organised trading bloc in the country.

As such, he appealed for more unity and pledged commitment to the oneness of the Association. “I may not be the best, but I will endeavour to unite the Association to the best of my ability”, he said.

He noted that the AGM was an avenue for checks and balances, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability across all market fronts in the State.

While commending Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to the cause of Traders in the State, Akparawa Raphael listed the Governor’s intervention programmes to include: the grouping of traders into cooperative societies for the provision of buses, as well as a ₦2 billion interest-free loan introduced in the last administration, which has now been converted into grants by the current administration. He also brought to public knowledge the construction of Urua Anwa in Oruk Anam, Urua Obo Annang in Essien Udim, Urua Edereobo in Obot Akara with 50 lock-up stalls and open sheds complete with water and toilet facilities; Urua Ette in Ikot Abasi, Urua Ikot Akpabio in Nsit Atai, Okobo Beach Market, and Otoro Market in Abak; not excluding the newly constructed solar-powered Ndiya street to access Akpan Andem Market, and the ongoing Itam Park Market project, which is now 80% complete.

He also thanked Governor Umo Eno for instituting the biometric capturing of traders in a digital portal for easier access to grants while passing down the Governor’s directive that all market men and women should register on the Portal for easy access to grants.

While announcing a personal funding of traders’ accounts across the 31 local government areas with ₦3.1 million as part of his drive for transparency and ease of accountability among leaders of each Local Government Association, Akparawa Raphael revealed that the Governor has earmarked over ₦10 billion for traders and farmers in the 2026 Akwa Ibom State budget; an allocation which he said will bring about massive development, increased empowerment, and expanded opportunities for traders, and in turn boost the state’s economy.

For these and more, the Association unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Umo Eno and presented a cheque of ₦100 million as his re-election nomination fee for a second term come 2027.

They further commended the leadership of Akparawa Raphael for amplifying the challenges of traders and pledged their total loyalty to the government.

The Annual General Meeting also featured the appointment of Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael as Chairman, Board of Trustee of the Akwa Ibom Traders Association and Pastor Moses Sambo as Acting President of the Association.