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GIFA HALF HOUR, 32 Udotungubo Street., Uyo (2026)

23/09/2026

LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI COMMENDS UYAI FOOD FESTIVAL FOR PROMOTING LOCAL CUISINE, SUPPORTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN

The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has commended the convener of the Uyai Food Festival, Mrs Mariatherese Adiakpan, popularly known as Chef Uyai, for using the annual event to promote Akwa Ibom’s rich culinary heritage while extending love and support to vulnerable children.

Lady Helen gave the commendation on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Uyai Food Festival held at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, where she joined street children at a special breakfast organised as part of the festival activities.

The Coordinator described the gesture as a selfless act of service, noting that the breakfast provided an opportunity to give to people who may not necessarily have the means to reciprocate, commending Chef Uyai for deliberately reaching out to children living in settlements across the state.

“Some of these children, this is probably the best meal that they would have for a while. So, I want to really thank her for having the heart to give to people who cannot necessarily give back to her. I think that’s a really selfless service,” She said.

She also commended Governor Umo Bassey Eno for creating an enabling environment for initiatives that promote service to humanity and giving back to society, noting that the values embodied in the Governor’s ARISE Agenda were reflected in the festival’s humanitarian component,
adding that the Office of the First Lady and the Government of Akwa Ibom State recognised and appreciated the impact of the initiative on the lives of the children.

She further applauded Chef Uyai for fulfilling her commitment to the children, noting that while people sometimes make promises without being able to fulfil them, the convener had demonstrated that her promise to the children was genuine, expressing the hope that the hesitant children who had stayed away out of fear, would had been brought from different take up the next free meal offer.

Lady Helen expressed appreciation to the children and others for trusting the organisers enough to attend the special breakfast, assuring them of the love and support of the office of the First Lady.

She announced the provision of gifts for the children which would be shared to the children, by staff of her office, at the end of the ceremony.

Earlier, the convener of the Uyai Food Festival, Mrs Mariatherese Adiakpan, said the annual breakfast was organised as an expression of thanksgiving to God for the lives, health and wellbeing of the children.

Chef Uyai who explained that the Uyai Food Festival was conceived to preserve, showcase, promote and pass down Akwa Ibom’s rich food culture from one generation to another, expressed concern that some traditional meals were gradually disappearing from family kitchens, stressing the need to document and promote the state’s indigenous delicacies and their contribution to Nigeria’s culinary heritage.

According to her, the festival seeks to demonstrate to Nigerians and the wider world that many of the foods enjoyed on the nation’s table have their roots in Akwa Ibom.

She said that the annual breakfast for street children had become an integral part of the festival, explaining that she personally visits settlements across Uyo and other parts of the state to identify and bring the children together for the thanksgiving meal, designed to celebrate life and good health with the children.

Chef Uyai expressed appreciation to Lady Helen Eno Obareki for giving visibility and value to the initiative through her presence, noting that despite her busy schedule, the Coordinator had made out time to join the children for breakfast, thereby creating lasting memories for them.

The Uyai Food Festival which will end on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is an annual celebration aimed at showcasing Akwa Ibom’s culinary heritage, promoting indigenous food and encouraging its preservation for future generations.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
September 22, 2026.

18/09/2026

At the Premium 89.9 Event

18/09/2026

LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI ADVOCATES SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE BEYOND POLITICAL Cycles
..As Premium 89.9FM Honours Governor Eno as Nigeria’s Most Performing Governor

The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has advocated sustainable governance as a pathway to preserving developmental gains beyond political cycles, stressing the need for government to establish systems and structures capable of creating lasting pathways to prosperity.

Lady Helen stated this on Thursday at the 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards of Premium 89.9FM, with the theme, “Sustainability as a Key Driver of Advanced Governance Systems: The ARISE Agenda Model,” where she served as Guest of Honour.

She commended the management and staff of Premium 89.9FM for their consistency in public broadcasting, development advocacy and recognition of individuals and institutions contributing to societal advancement.

Lady Obareki also thanked the station for conferring the “Amazon of the Niger Delta” award on her in 2025, a development she said had inspired her on her leadership journey of service and measurable impact.

She posited that governance should not be measured by short-term applause or temporary interventions, but by the ability to establish sustainable systems that continue to deliver value to citizens beyond political administrations.

According to her, the ARISE Agenda serves as the State Government’s development blueprint, covering areas including agricultural development, rural development, infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, tourism and economic advancement.

The Coordinator expressed appreciation to Premium 89.9FM for recognising Governor Umo Eno with "the Most Performing Governor in Nigeria" award, describing the honour as a recognition of his developmental efforts under the ARISE Agenda.

“I am immensely proud that Premium 89.9 FM has rightly identified this impact, selecting His Excellency as the Sole Winner of the Premium Awards 2026. This honour is a well-deserved tribute to a leader whose blueprint ensures that today’s developmental gains become tomorrow’s sustainable heritage.
Gone are the days when they say a prophet has no honour in his hometown. We thank Premium 89.9FM for not only recognising the prophet but also honouring him in his own town,” she said.

Lady Helen also congratulated the second cohort of trainees inducted into the Premium Digital Academy, describing the initiative by the broadcast station as "demonstrating exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility, giving our young people the modern educational tools required to navigate and conquer a globalised technology - driven economy.

She disclosed that the Office of the First Lady, through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), was also prioritising human capacity development, referring to the ongoing GIFA Tech Women Initiative, Cohort One, where 250 women are being trained in digital skills, including 2D and 3D animation, executive assistance and entrepreneurship.

"Human capacity development remains our core priority. This is evident in the two hundred and fifty ( 250) women currently enrolled in the GIFA-Tech Women Initiative. In the next two months, these women would be fully equipped with high digital tech skills across 2D/3D Animation, Executive Assistance and Entrepreneurship. We believe that when you pair structural governance with digital and economic empowerment, you build an unstoppable generation of leaders".

Lady Helen thanked the management of South Wave Communications and Premium 89.9FM for their commitment to quality journalism, development advocacy and community growth, while urging the newly inducted Digital Academy trainees to embrace excellence and prepare themselves for the opportunities of the future.

Receiving the award of "Most Performing Governor in Nigeria 2026" on behalf of Governor Umo Eno, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ekerete Udoh, expressed appreciation to Premium 89.9FM for recognising the Governor and his administration’s developmental efforts adding that the award would inspire the Governor to do more in the service of the people of Akwa Ibom State, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to continued partnership with the media.

He described the radio medium as an important platform for informing, engaging and connecting citizens with the government. Recalling the historic role of radio broadcasting in facilitating public communication, he noted that effective engagement between government and the media remained essential to strengthening the relationship between government and citizens.

He assured media organisations in the State of continued cooperation, while urging them to partner with the government in telling the story of Akwa Ibom’s development.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Premium 89.9FM, Mrs Maureen Umanah, described Governor Umo Eno as a “Golden Governor with the Midas touch,” saying the station had observed the impact of the ARISE Agenda on the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Mrs Umanah said Premium FM was fully committed to providing quality entertainment and information as well as contributing to societal development through its annual lecture, awards, youth training and community-focused initiatives.

She explained that the establishment of the Premium Digital Academy was informed by the station’s desire to equip young people with relevant skills, stressing that responsible journalism and responsible governance should work hand in hand in advancing society.

The Chairman on the occasion and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong, said awards and recognition provided society with an opportunity to acknowledge achievements and encourage greater commitment to service.

He observed that governance was not limited to activities within government offices but encompassed decisions and actions that affect the lives and dignity of citizens stating that the recognition of Governor Umo Eno was significant against the backdrop of the administration’s development agenda, calling for collective responsibility in the building of a society where good governance is not merely discussed but experienced by citizens.

In his lecture, the Vice Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, explained that the ARISE Agenda had created an interconnected development ecosystem involving different arms and units of government. He said sustained implementation of the ARISE Agenda could progressively transform Akwa Ibom from a predominantly civil service oriented economy into a more industrialised economy.

The guest lecturer highlighted infrastructure, tourism, social housing, agriculture, healthcare and education as some of the sectors where sustainability could be applied to development planning. He cited the construction of roads and bridges across urban and rural communities, the upgrading of previously abandoned projects such as the Ibom Tropicana project and Oron Maritime Facility, social housing interventions, payment of pensions and gratuities, the Ibom Model Farm, model primary healthcare centres, the proposed teaching hospital and emergency medical services, as well as model schools, among the areas of development linked to the administration’s blueprint.

Prof. Akpan also emphasised the potential of tourism development to create employment, expand economic opportunities and increase internally generated revenue, noting that sustained investment in tourism infrastructure could strengthen the State’s position as a destination hub.

Goodwill messages were received from the Member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Itoro Etim; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; and the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, who all commended Premium 89.9FM for its community development initiatives and efforts in promoting development messages across the State.

In the delegation from the office of the First Lady, were the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Itoro Etim; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Hon Inibehe Silas Etukudo; Wife of member Ini State Constituency Mrs Esther Udoide and the wife of the Chairman of Uruan Local Government Council, Mrs Ndifreke Ekpenyong.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
September 17, 2026.

13/09/2026

SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER HOSTS ELDERLY RESIDENTS TO VIBRANT KARAOKE AND HAPPY HOUR

The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizen Center, in the outskirts of the city was transformed into a lively hub of music, laughter, and community on Friday as it welcomed dozens of senior citizens for an engaging karaoke evening and Happy Hour.

Designed to foster social connection, joy, and holistic well-being among older adults, the event brought together the senior citizens - regular visitors to the centre, stakeholders, and the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who was a special guest, for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

The event tagged 'Karaoke Hangout: Golden Voices and Golden Memories ", featured karaoke sessions, the karaoke challenge, complete the lyrics and name that artist competition as well as a chance for the enthusiastic senior citizens to win prizes from participating in fun games.

Adding a deeply personal and heartwarming touch to the celebration, Lady Helen Obareki attended the event with thoughtful gifts which served as special prizes that were distributed to the winners of the various singing competitions and games, ensuring every participant felt celebrated and valued.

Addressing the senior citizens, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, described the evening as the coming into existence of her mothers vision of providing a recreational facility for the senior citizens of the State, as a reward for their labour to the growth of the state.

"My heart is just so full with gratitude for a day like this that was a vision that my mother had and I'm just so happy that I get to witness her vision come to life. She saw this. She saw a day when Akwa Ibom State would be celebrating all of our Senior Citizens, where they would come out to have fun and not stay at home to die of loneliness and depression, So this is the dream that has been made manifest," She asserted.

"I want to thank our Governor Pastor Umo Eno for all of the things that he has done for our senior citizens. It's not about the building, but recognising the vision that the First Lady had, and making sure that even though she had passed, that her vision did not go with her. So that we're able to sit here today, dance, eat and drink, it's because we have a Governor who's compassionate and mindful of our ageing population. I'm so glad to be in a position to champion and support my mother's dream come to life."

Lady Helen Obareki thanked the Delivery Advisor of the Centre, Dr Itawan James, as well as Staff and caregivers for keeping the Centre clean and warm, and for adding other medical routines and checks, dental and eye care for the Elderly, whom she encouraged to always visit the centre for recreation and networking.

Earlier, Dr Itawan James had said the Karaoke Hangout was organised to fete the senior citizens in an atmosphere of warmth and celebration, as Akwa Ibom State celebrates 39 years of existence.

Dr Itawan emphasised the center’s ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of senior citizens through engaging social programmes for "Our elders who have given so much to our society, and it is vital that we continue to create spaces where they can relax, showcase their hidden talents, and build lasting friendships in a joyful environment."

The Senior Citizens expressed their profound appreciation for the initiative and the generous contributions, praising Lady Helen Obareki, the center's management, and stakeholders for curating an evening dedicated entirely to their happiness and relaxation.

"Care for the Elderly" is a Thematic Area of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, with more than twelve thousand senior citizens benefitting from the State Governments welfare package for the elderly, through the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly.

Among dignitaries at the event were the Member representing Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Asuquo Udo; the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Enobong Edidem; wife of the Member representing Nsit Ibom State Constituency, Mrs Nsikak Eric Akpan; and the Chairman of Nsit Ibom LG Council, Mrs Otobong Aaron.

Others were the President of WALGON Mrs Akaninyene Udo; wives of the Chairmen of Nsit Ubium, Mkpat Enin and Itu; the wife of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Mrs Idara Ekong; Honorary Special Advisers to the Governor, and other stakeholders.

The Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre provides comprehensive care, recreational opportunities, and a supportive community network for elderly citizens.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
September 12, 2026.

11/09/2026

GIFA is Here

10/09/2026

GIFA PARTNERS FIDELITY BANK TO EMPOWER 300 WOMEN IN AKWA IBOM

10/09/2026

GIFA PARTNERS FIDELITY BANK TO EMPOWER 300 WOMEN IN AKWA IBOM

The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), in partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc, has empowered 300 women drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State with cash grants and business tools, to strengthen their enterprises and improve their livelihoods.

The empowerment programme, held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, is part of GIFA’s continuing interventions aimed at promoting women’s economic independence and supporting small businesses across the state.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State and Chairman, Board of Trustees of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, noted that with the successful hosting of the programme, the number of people impacted by GIFA under her Women Empowerment Thematic Area, had been raised to about 7,000 Beneficiaries.

Lady Helen who described the programme as a practical demonstration of the vision of her mother, the First Lady and Founder of GIFA, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, reiterated her commitment to improving the dignity, independence and well-being of women through measurable and life-changing interventions.

She said GIFA had continued to take its interventions directly to communities through its programmes across eight thematic areas, noting that the latest empowerment programme was designed to provide women with practical tools capable of transforming their businesses.

"Through our various programmes across eight thematic areas, we have
taken real help directly to our rural communities. Just last month, through
our "GIFA at Your Doorstep" initiative, we delivered business equipment
and cash grants straight to the homes and shops of our small business
owners. The feedback from that outreach continues to move me deeply, and today, we are taking that same energy further by empowering yet another strong group of women with the tools they need to succeed," she said.

She explained that 300 beneficiaries were receiving support across three major areas of enterprise. One hundred women in the tailoring and fashion industry were presented with professional sewing machines, while another 100 women received modern grinders to support agricultural processing and related businesses.

She added that the remaining 100 beneficiaries were being supported through financial empowerment, with 20 women receiving financial support alongside Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, while the other 80 received cash grants.

Lady Obareki said empowering women had a multiplier effect on families and communities, stressing that women who receive support to expand their businesses could employ others, strengthen their households and contribute more significantly to the state’s economic development.

She particularly appreciated the Executive Director, South, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Pamela Shodipo; Regional Bank Head, Akwa Ibom/Cross River, Mrs Kufretido Etim; and members of the bank’s executive team for their contribution towards the initiative.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Director, South South Directorate, Fidelity Bank, Mrs Pamela Shodipo, said the bank was delighted to contribute to the empowerment of women in Akwa Ibom State, describing the intervention as a demonstration of its confidence in the resilience, creativity and capacity of women to transform their lives and positively impact their families and communities.

She noted that empowerment was about providing people with the tools and capital needed, to turn their potential into possibilities and ultimately prosperity, stressing that when a woman is empowered, families are strengthened, children are better supported, communities are transformed, and businesses and jobs are created.

She described the items as “instruments of possibilities” capable of providing sustainable sources of income, expressing optimism that the intervention would translate into thriving businesses, economically independent women and more prosperous communities. She said the bank was committed to partnering with Akwa Ibom State on a long-term basis in economic development, noting that the state was home to young people, traders, farmers and other enterprising citizens contributing daily to its economic growth.

She further commended the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his commitment to empowerment through the ARISE Agenda, and GIFA for its interventions in support of women and vulnerable members of society, urging the beneficiaries to see the intervention 'not as charity but a vote of confidence in their ability to turn opportunities into sustainable businesses and create opportunities for others.

Setting the tone for the event, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, emphasised the importance of investing in women, noting that empowering them creates lasting impact, supports their overall wellbeing and dignity, also serves as a tool of empowerment to another woman.

The Head of Financial Inclusion at Fidelity Bank, Obinna Egwuonwu, speaking on the theme, “Managing My Business,” charged the beneficiaries to build reputable and sustainable businesses by continuously developing their capacity, being intentional about growth, sustainability, and professionalism.

Goodwill messages were received from the President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Uwemedimo; President of COSAWA, Dr Bright Archibong; and the Special Adviser to the Governor, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, who commended the Governor, the Office of the First Lady and Fidelity Bank for supporting the empowerment initiative.

They expressed appreciation to the Governor for providing an enabling environment for women and other vulnerable groups to thrive, noting that the intervention would expand the sources of livelihood of the beneficiaries and improve their economic wellbeing. They urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items and financial support provided, cautioning them against selling the equipment but rather using them to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Naomi Emmanuel thanked the Chairman of GIFA for the opportunity to benefit from the empowerment programme, as well as Fidelity Bank for its intervention in the lives of Akwa Ibom women. She said the support had brought smiles to the faces of the beneficiaries and expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for believing in the capacity of women in the state and investing in their economic empowerment.

The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, Business Empowerment For Women, provided 50 sewing machines, 50 grinding machines, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, 500 bags of food items (Fidelity Food Bank) and N25 million in financial support provided by Fidelity Bank PLC in the first phase, with another phase of 50 sewing machines and 50 grinding machines expected shortly, for the remaining 100 Beneficiaries.

Some of the benefiaries in the course of an interactive session, pledged their commitment to providing free training to other women, in appreciation of GIFA's benevolence, while the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, shared valuable nuggets from her experience as an entrepreneur, with the women.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
September 10, 2026.

04/09/2026

"The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, my very beautiful daughter ❤️"
in His Excellency’s voice 😍🤓💪🏼💃🏻

01/09/2026

It's September!
Happy new month 💕

27/08/2026

AKWA IBOM WOMEN CELEBRATE LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI, ORS AT AUGUST MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has expressed profound gratitude to God and the women of Akwa Ibom State for the outpouring of love, prayers and goodwill extended to her as she marked her 2026 birthday.

Lady Obareki spoke at the August edition of the Akwa Ibom State Women Monthly Prayer Project, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, with the theme, “Carried by His Mercies.”

The gathering, which brought together women from across the state, combined prayers, thanksgiving and celebration as the women also honoured the August-born celebrants, fondly described as “August Legends.”

Lady Obareki gave glory to God for His faithfulness, preservation and unfailing mercies. She appreciated the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for creating an enabling environment for her to serve and contribute to the development of the state.

Lady Obareki also celebrated the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, describing her as a strong pillar of support who had continued to nurture, guide and encourage her in the discharge of her responsibilities.

The Coordinator who acknowledged the numerous calls, messages, gifts, visits, hugs and prayers she received before, during and after her birthday, said the love shown to her had been overwhelming, revealing that some women had deliberately celebrated her ahead of the day because they anticipated her busy schedule on her birthday.

“I wish there was a bigger word than thank you, because sometimes you feel like thank you is not enough to suffice for how you feel and how appreciative I am,” she said.

Lady Obareki also appreciated her family for their support, particularly during the period following the loss of their mother, and thanked the pastors responsible for coordinating the monthly prayer project for their commitment to the spiritual wellbeing of women in the state.

She prayed that God would grant open heavens over every woman who had celebrated her, as well as their children and families.

Earlier in her exhortation, Pastor Ekaete Kufre charged the women to remain conscious of the unfailing mercies of God, which she said had sustained and preserved them throughout the year.

Speaking on the theme, “Carried by His Mercies,” Pastor Kufre described God's mercy as His compassionate intervention that turns judgment into favour, delivers, sustains and makes a way for His people.

Referring to Lamentations 3:22–23 and John 5:1–10, Pastor Kufre explained that God's mercy brings healing, deliverance, restoration and breakthrough, particularly in situations where human intervention appears impossible.

She noted that God had carried the people of Akwa Ibom safely, stressing that their preservation was not by human strength but by divine grace.

Intercessory prayers were offered by Bishop Enobong Essien, at the service, for the Governor, his Deputy, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, their families and the people of Akwa Ibom State.

The August Legends later mounted the stage to cut a birthday cake and share testimonies of God's faithfulness. They also used the occasion to give back to the community by donating food items, for future humanitarian programmes, of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA.

The celebration ended with renewed prayers of thanksgiving and a charge for the women to continue to trust in the mercies of God, with Lady Obareki praying that God would continually carry every woman and her family, in his unfailing mercies.

Different groups and individuals also presented gifts to Lady Helen Eno Obareki who had celebrated her birthday on Monday, August 24, 2026, while the Harmonic Voices Chorale International spiced up the service with a special presentation.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
August 27, 2026.

GIFA HALF HOUR

23/09/2026

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

13/09/2026

11/09/2026

10/09/2026

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