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.
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