COORDINATOR OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY CELEBRATES RESILIENCE AND STRENGTH OF ONNA WOMEN
Akwa Ibom women from all walks of life have , been commended for their courage, resourcefulness and enormous contributions to the moulding and grooming of the character of children and other individuals in the home and society.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Eno Obareki gave the commendation during the 2025 Onna Women’s Day Celebration, with the theme” Celebrating Women’s Resilience and Strength”, which held at the Onna Local Government stadium.
Lady Obareki who was the Guest of Honour at the event, encouraged the women to remain resolute in their pursuit of personal development, while participating in programmes that will prepare and propel them to leadership positions.
Acknowledging the unique strength of women and their ability to thrive regardless of societal limitations, the First Lady who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon Inibehe Silas, encouraged them to collaborate, break barriers and continue to aspire to greatness.
“Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of women, not just from this Local Government Area, but from all over the world, whose achievements and accomplishments continue to inspire and motivate our gender.’
‘From serving as teachers and nurses in every household to being resourceful entrepreneurs and caring professionals, women continue to prove that determination has no limits as they daily exhibit great resilience, courage and strength in delivering on assigned responsibilities.
We can begin by supporting and encouraging the vulnerable women in our midst with skills and grants to improve their living conditions. We can also unite to break down barriers and challenge stereotypes that continue to inhibit our women and their potential” she said.
Speaking at the event, the immediate past First Lady and Grand patron of Onna Women Leaders’ Forum, Dr. Martha Udom Emmanuel encouraged the women to remain in love, support each other and eschew all forms of bickering and slandering, promising her continuous support to the women of Onna.
In a keynote address, the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barr Emem Ette reminded the women that to remain influential in all spheres of life, they must value themselves, be intentional about self-development, engage in meaningful business ventures and respect their husbands.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Onna Local Government Council, Mr Kufre Umoren, paid tributes to the women of Onna, describing them as pillars of resilience, bearers of wisdom and silent architects of progress who have consistently demonstrated their ability to hold families together, nurture dreams and transformed communities with their unwavering determination and sacrifices.
Others who spoke were the Commissioner for Finance Mr Emem Bob, President of WALGON Dr Uwemedimo Udo, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Hon. Owoidighe Ekpoattai and others who lauded the visionary and creative birthing of the Onna women’s Day in 2008 which has been expanded to include empowerment schemes.
Highpoints of the Onna women’s day were march past by women from the 47 villages and groups, traditional dances, presentation of ballads and a grand feast, where each village in Onna showcased its unique cuisine, providing an abundance of food for all to enjoy.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
March 20, 2025
English