The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has advised women from all walks of life to prepare themselves for opportunities.
Lady Obareki made the call on Friday, May 23, 2025, while speaking at the Women In Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Roundtable in Uyo, tagged ‘Entrepreneurship Mindsets: Cultivating resilience and innovation in women leadership’.
The First Lady Designate emphasized the need for women to equip themselves with the necessary skills, knowledge and right attitude to seize opportunities when they arise.
“I know that a lot of you already know my story. When my mother who was the First Lady of the state passed, I knew that I was going to continue what she was doing through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA). What I did not know was that I would occupy the office of the First Lady. Now I am a wife to my father and a mother to my siblings and the entire state.
“The truth is that I learnt the ropes and the opportunity met me prepared. I encourage you to equip yourselves with the necessary information, skills and knowledge as opportunities may beckon on you at anytime,” she noted.
In her remarks, Mrs. Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director, WIMBIZ, urged participants at the seminar to be intentional and willing to make moves towards actualizing their dreams and aspirations.
While urging those who are yet to join the organisation to do so, Mrs. Akingbohungbe further encouraged them to take advantage of technology to advance their businesses and build a network of people of value.
In a keynote address, the MD/CEO of Pinnacle Medical Services, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, stated that married women have high vulnerability risk factor to depression, urging them to resolve conflicts urgently and seek help where necessary.
Dr. Kadiri noted that emotions are contagious, expressing the need for women to periodically carry out their life audit, create the right mindset and enabling environment by being consistent in setting boundaries, while also connecting with healthy support system to address some mental issues.
The WIMBIZ Uyo Roundtable which was anchored by the creative Director of Boldoz International Limited, Enobong Etuk, featured a question and answer session, as well as networking opportunities for participants.
Photos:
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
May 23, 2025
