Akwa Ibom women have been tasked to safeguard the peace and stability of their homes by remaining vigilant against individuals who may seek to undermine the progress and growth of their families.
The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, gave the advice during the opening of the 2026 ‘Healing for Women’ International Convention 2026, of the Gospel Foundation Mission, Etinan, where she addressed participants on the importance of their roles in sustaining healthy homes and families.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Lady Obareki encouraged women to remain steadfast in their responsibilities as pillars of their homes, stressing the need to protect their families from negative influences and ensure that their homes remain united and peaceful.
The Coordinator also expressed appreciation to the women of the church for their continued support for her and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno. She equally acknowledged the church’s founder, who is the Governor’s spiritual mother, for her consistent support and prayers for the Governor.
Alluding to the theme of the convention, “A woman of strength and dignity,” Lady Obareki emphasised the importance of women’s well-being to the overall health and progress of society, declaring that when women are healed, the land is healed.
In a sermon, the Convener of the programme, Bishop Enobong Essien, highlighted the strength, determination and influence of women in the family, the church, and society, describing them as strong vessels who deserve to be feared, honoured, and respected.
Drawing her lesson from 1 Kings 21:1–8, Bishop Essien underscored the resilience and determination of women, noting their significant contributions to their husbands, families, and society at large.
While reflecting on the collective voice of Akwa Ibom women, who are united in their decision to vote for and support Governor Umo Eno’s second-term ambition, Bishop Essien noted that women are strong-willed, determined and supportive, qualities that make them influential agents of change in their homes and communities.
She further encouraged women to recognise their worth, embrace their strength and understand the important role they play in shaping society.
Bishop Essien who also led the congregation to pray for the Governor and his campaign plans, later handed over thousands of campaign materials to the commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, for the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
In the delegation from the office of the First Lady to the four-day convention which ends on Sunday, were the wife of the member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Emem Idiong, the President of the Uyo Senatorial District Women’s Forum Dr Ekaette Ebong Okon and the wife of the Chairman of the waste Management Agency in the state, Mrs Scholastica Ikim.
