The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has commended women across the state for their contributions to the growth, peace and development of Akwa Ibom, urging them to sustain their support for initiatives that promote the wellbeing of families and communities.
Lady Obareki spoke during the September edition of the Women’s Monthly Prayer at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, held as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, with the theme, “Pleasant Surprises.”
Reflecting on the state’s 39 years of existence, she expressed gratitude to God for what she described as sustained progress, prosperity and good governance, saying Akwa Ibom had numerous blessings to count.
She said the anniversary provided an opportunity for the people to acknowledge God’s faithfulness and return all glory to Him for the journey so far.
The First Lady’s Office Coordinator also conveyed appreciation to Akwa Ibom women through the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, for their impressive participation in the commissioning ceremonies, anniversary thanksgiving and other activities organised to commemorate the state’s anniversary.
Lady Obareki encouraged the women to continue to play their roles in strengthening their families and communities, and spoke of the administration’s plans and expectations for the future, including what she described as “pleasant surprises” that would benefit women in the state.
Earlier in her exhortation, Pastor Affiong Ebong described pleasant surprises as unexpected developments capable of bringing relief, joy and renewed hope, particularly in difficult circumstances.
She said such experiences could soothe pain, calm troubled hearts, rekindle hope and transform situations of discouragement into testimonies, stressing that God had the power to change circumstances and create new possibilities.
Pastor Ebong declared that the women should expect spiritual renewal, physical strength, divine turnaround and positive changes in their circumstances, assuring them that testimonies and pleasant surprises awaited them.
The prayer session featured intercessory prayers for the peace, progress and development of Akwa Ibom State, as well as thanksgiving for achievements recorded over the years.
Prayers were also offered for divine intervention and testimonies throughout the year, while the Governor, Deputy Governor, Lady Helen Eno Obareki and the entire state were committed into God’s hands.
A major highlight of the event was the celebration of women born in September, led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
In a demonstration of compassion, the celebrants also presented gifts to support young children across Akwa Ibom through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), turning their personal celebration into an occasion to extend love and support to others.
The event thus combined thanksgiving for Akwa Ibom’s 39-year journey with prayers for the state’s future, recognition of women’s contributions and a renewed call for compassion and collective responsibility.