The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has highlighted the contributions of Akwa Ibom women to the development and progress of the state, urging them to sustain their support for initiatives that improve the lives of families and communities.
Obareki made the remarks at the September edition of the women’s monthly prayer meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
The programme, held on Friday, was themed “Pleasant Surprises” and also featured thanksgiving for the achievements recorded in the state over the past 39 years.
Speaking shortly before the Bible readings, Obareki said the anniversary provided an opportunity for the people of Akwa Ibom to reflect on the state’s journey and acknowledge what she described as God’s faithfulness in its growth and development.
“We’re so grateful for 39 years of sustenance of Akwa Ibom State, from glory to glory, for prosperity, good governance, God has indeed been faithful to us as a state and we are mindful to return all glory to Him,” she said.
She particularly appreciated Akwa Ibom women for their active participation in the anniversary activities, including commissioning ceremonies, thanksgiving and other programmes organised by the state government.
The First Lady’s office coordinator conveyed the appreciation through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, who led the women at the gathering.
Obareki said the participation of women in activities that promote the state’s development remained important, encouraging them to continue to play their roles in their homes and communities.
She said the gathering was also an opportunity for the women to pray for peace, progress and further development across Akwa Ibom, while committing the leadership of the state and its people to God.
In her exhortation, Pastor Affiong Ebong described “pleasant surprises” as unexpected developments capable of bringing relief, joy and renewed hope, particularly in difficult circumstances.
Ebong said such experiences could help people overcome pain and discouragement, restore hope and move them to levels they had not anticipated, attributing such transformations to the power of God.
She declared that the women should expect spiritual liberation, renewed strength, positive changes in their circumstances and testimonies, stressing that God could turn difficult situations around.
The service also featured intercessory prayers for peace, progress and breakthroughs in Akwa Ibom, as well as thanksgiving for what the participants described as victories recorded by the state since its creation.
Prayers were also offered for divine turnaround and testimonies during the year, while the Governor, Deputy Governor, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and the people of Akwa Ibom were committed into God’s hands.
The development-oriented gathering ended with an act of community support as Obareki and the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, joined September-born women to cut their birthday cake, after which gifts were presented to support young children across the state through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
