…Receives FLAIR Award for services to women and girls in London
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called for strategic investment in the education, digital skills and economic empowerment of African women and girls, insisting that sustainable development requires policies that dismantle structural barriers and expand opportunities at the grassroots.
Lady Obareki, who is also the Chairperson of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), made the call while contributing to a plenary session on “Education, Skills and the Next Generation” at the First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Global Summit 2026 in London.
She identified the limitations imposed on the aspirations, capabilities and self-worth of the African girl-child as a major obstacle to the continent’s development, urging global leaders to move beyond conventional aid towards long-term investments that equip women and girls with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial independence.
“The greatest challenge facing our continent today is the structural barrier imposed on the imagination, capacity, and self-worth of the African girl-child,” she stated.
Lady Obareki emphasised the need to prioritise science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, digital literacy and practical skills development as critical tools for expanding opportunities, strengthening women’s economic participation and promoting self-reliance.
Drawing from her experience coordinating grassroots interventions in Akwa Ibom State through GIFA, she called on policymakers to adopt people-centred approaches that translate global development commitments into practical solutions for local communities.
She stressed that international best practices must be adapted to the realities of rural and underserved communities, particularly in addressing maternal and child healthcare needs and improving the economic inclusion of vulnerable populations.
The FLAIR Global Summit brought together African First Ladies, global lawmakers, corporate executives and other development stakeholders to examine strategies for advancing women’s empowerment, resilience and inclusive development.
As part of the summit’s engagements, delegates participated in a high-profile market closing ceremony at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), alongside other leadership and partnership activities.
A highlight of the gathering was the presentation of the FLAIR Award for Services to Women and Girls to Lady Obareki at the summit’s closing gala at The Dorchester in London. She received the honour alongside other women leaders, changemakers and advocates recognised for their contributions to women’s and girls’ advancement.
