The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called for deliberate and sustained investment in the African girl child through education, skills development, economic empowerment and the removal of systemic barriers limiting the potential of young women.
Lady Obareki made the call at the African Dream Network International Summit, TADIS 2026, in Uyo, where she spoke on “Re-engineering the Heart of the African Girl Child.”
She said meaningful transformation of Africa must begin with a fundamental change in mindset, particularly in the way society perceives and invests in the girl child.
Lady Obareki maintained that Africa’s greatest challenge is not a lack of natural resources, but the limitations imposed on the imagination, capacity and self-worth of its young women.
She stressed that empowering the girl child goes beyond improving the circumstances of an individual, noting that it has far-reaching implications for the economic, educational, health and spiritual development of the continent.
Drawing from her professional experience in the banking, hospitality and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as her service in the Office of the First Lady, Lady Obareki said leadership and success are products of preparation, competence, resilience and a strong work ethic rather than titles or privilege.
She challenged young women who feel overlooked to build their capacity, sharpen their intellect and attain mastery in their chosen fields, urging them to pursue their aspirations with discipline, patience and purpose.
The Coordinator cited interventions of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, as practical examples of targeted empowerment for women and girls in Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, GIFA programmes across its eight thematic areas have reached 58,720 verified beneficiaries, while interventions in social protection, healthcare and the campaign against Gender-Based Violence are helping to safeguard the health, dignity, safety and educational aspirations of women and girls.
Addressing the delegates, Lady Obareki urged young Africans to acquire digital, financial and strategic skills, embrace technology and support the inclusion and advancement of the girl child.
She cautioned youths against fraudulent schemes and shortcuts, stressing that Africa’s progress depends on young people who can master their crafts, uphold integrity, promote good governance and develop practical solutions to the continent’s challenges.
The Convener of TADIS 2026, Emanamfon Akpan, said the summit was conceived to shape the minds of young Africans to confront the challenges facing the continent, change negative narratives and reposition Africa for global relevance.
Akpan explained that re-engineering Africa does not mean discarding its identity or values, but confronting the attitudes and systems that hold the continent back.
He urged young people to shun negativity, embrace service and integrity, and combine their ideas, resources and talents to build stronger individuals, institutions, businesses, systems and communities.
In his keynote address, Fela Durotoye, speaking on “Re-engineering the African Mindset: You Are Not Enough,” challenged Africans, particularly young people, to take ownership of the continent’s future and accept responsibility for finding solutions to its challenges.
Durotoye stressed the need for unity, observing that Africans have increasingly been conditioned to think as individuals when the continent’s aspirations can only be achieved through collective action.
He said visionary leadership has the capacity to unite people around a common purpose, urging Africans to become solution providers, exceptional problem-solvers, exemplary leaders and active participants in nation-building.
Other speakers, including Aniekan Usoroh, Jasper Ifeanyi, Williams Uchemba, Paul Udah and Barrister Onofiok Luke, represented by Udeme Okono, addressed issues around leadership, wealth creation, influence, media and the role of young Africans in personal and continental development.
The summit also featured a fireside chat and panel discussion on “The African Youths: Skills, Start-ups and Wealth Creation,” focusing on practical strategies for transforming young Africans from job seekers into job creators.
The event featured music and spoken-word performances, while the parents of the convener, Pastor and Mrs Samuel Akpan, commended Governor Umo Eno for providing an enabling environment that encourages young people to pursue their visions.
They also expressed appreciation to guests and participants for honouring their son’s invitation and prayed for continued reward for their contributions to youth development.
