The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady Akwa Ibom State / Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, has charged youths in the state to arm themselves with digital skills which are of high demand in the digital economy as opposed to engaging in internet fraud.
Mrs. Helen Obareki gave the charge on Sunday, October 20, 2024, while featuring as a discussant on the panel of Save The Youth Conference, an annual youth event, with the theme ‘Adulthood: Preparing for the Real World’.
Speaking during the panel session alongside three other panelists at the 8th edition of the conference which took place at the Rehoboth Hall of Royalty Hotel Eket, the Coordinator further encouraged young people to patiently endure the process of growth instead of engaging in get-rich-quick schemes that may be detrimental to their lives in future.
“Yes, it is very important to go to school, but coming out of school with a first class is not even a guarantee that you will get a job that you think you deserve, so my advice to young people is for them to get a skill, endure the long and painful process and know there are consequences for every choice you make”.
Mrs. Helen Obareki, who is the founder of the Big Sister Impact Initiative, Headline sponsor of the event, said that she would provide care and mentorship to young people through her foundation, to support them excel and expand yearly.
In an insightful keynote address, Dr. Ebong Eno articulated that in order to navigate through adulthood with ease, parents should encourage their children to do chores, learn hard and soft skills as well as financial literacy, take responsibility, learn problem solving skills, be able to make decisions and be accountable.
Dr. Eno highlighted that life does not allow people take responsibility for others and as such parents owe a duty to their children to prepare them into adulthood by teaching them values and allowing them to make choices, to avoid blame games.
High point of the event was the presentation of an award to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs Helen Eno Obareki as the Grand Matron, Save the Youths Conference.
The event also featured essay competition for secondary schools where Girls High School Ikot Ibiok emerged winners as well as the business grant pitch sessions where Mrs Ukpono Ibanga of Danni Palm Oil emerged as the winner for the grant.
The 2024 Save the Youths Conference is the eight edition of mentoring youths to shape their minds, become meaningful and make positive impact in life.
Media Unit
Office of the Wife of the Governor, AKS
October 21, 2024
