The Coordinator Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to bolster the protection of government infrastructure and maintain communal peace across the state.
The Coordinator, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, made this disclosure during a familiarization visit by the top brass of the NSCDC, Akwa Ibom State Command, led by the 17th State Commandant, Geraldine Sixtus Abetianbe, at the Government House in Uyo.
Welcoming the delegation, Lady Obareki expressed her enthusiasm regarding the evolving role of women in security leadership. She specifically lauded Commandant Abetianbe—the third female to hold the position in the state—noting that women are increasingly breaking “glass ceilings” in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Addressing the core mission of her office, Lady Obareki emphasized that her primary mandate is to complement the state government’s development agenda. She highlighted the role of her non-governmental organization, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), as a vehicle for grassroots intervention.
“The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has been very intentional in reaching the grassroots through his bottom-up approach. What we do here is basically to complement what the State government does. We exist to fill the gaps, especially in rural communities,” Obareki stated.
Earlier in her remarks, Commandant Geraldine Abetianbe explained that the visit was essential to foster a synergy between the paramilitary agency and the Office of the First Lady. She detailed the NSCDC’s statutory responsibilities, which include the monitoring and supervision of Private Guard Companies, anti-vandalism operations, and the safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure.
Commandant Abetianbe pledged the Command’s unwavering readiness to support the Akwa Ibom State Government in ensuring a secure and stable environment for its citizens.
