The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has assured the Iban South-South Forum of inclusion and active participation in programmes implemented by her office, in line with the state government’s commitment to unity and social cohesion.
Lady Obareki gave the assurance on Thursday, January 15, 2026, while receiving a delegation of the non-indigenous women’s organisation at the Government House, Uyo. The group represents women from five Niger Delta states, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Edo, resident in Akwa Ibom State.
Commending the forum for its willingness to partner with her office, the Coordinator reaffirmed her readiness to collaborate with structured organisations that have a presence across the state’s local government areas. She noted that such partnerships were particularly timely as preparations were underway for the ARISE Women Sensitisation Tour, scheduled to run across the 31 local government areas of the state.
She explained that the sensitisation tour would take place throughout February and part of March, culminating in activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day, and assured the delegation that the forum would be fully accommodated as the programme progresses. According to her, inclusivity remains a core value of the administration, and women, regardless of origin, have a role to play in the state’s development agenda.
In her response, the President of the Iban South-South Forum, Mrs Faith Usikhifo, praised Lady Obareki for the impact of projects implemented through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), noting that the interventions have improved the lives of many families in Akwa Ibom State without regard to ethnic background.
Mrs Usikhifo pledged the forum’s support for initiatives of the Office of the First Lady and expressed the organisation’s readiness to collaborate on future programmes aimed at women empowerment and social development across the state.
The meeting underscored the Akwa Ibom State Government’s broader unification drive, reinforcing the message that development and inclusion cut across ethnic and state lines.
