The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has urged delegates to the 2025 National Conference of the African High School Model United Nations (AHSMUN) in Uyo to emerge from the programme as innovative solution providers, equipped to contribute meaningfully to decisions by African leaders.
Delivering a keynote address on the second day of the conference, Lady Obareki described the participants, drawn from secondary schools in Akwa Ibom and other states, as future professionals, strategists, and co-authors of Africa’s unfolding story. She commended the organizers for adopting the theme, “Youth’s Contribution in the Decision Making of African Leaders,” describing it as a “profound call to action.”
Highlighting the critical role of youth in Africa, Lady Obareki noted that over 60 percent of the continent’s population are young people, bringing energy, digital skills, and innovative perspectives crucial for addressing modern challenges. She encouraged delegates to act as “Digital Detectives”, identifying technological gaps and providing early-warning insights to inform leadership decisions.
Delegates were further urged to challenge norms, reject complacency, and uphold moral clarity, using the conference’s debates, negotiations, and discussions as a platform to transform critique into constructive solutions. Lady Obareki emphasized that participants should leverage the knowledge gained to draft policy briefs and proposals capable of guiding public officeholders on interventions that would improve infrastructure and social development in their communities.
The Coordinator acknowledged Governor Umo Eno for providing facilities that empower young minds to thrive and highlighted the importance of youth engagement in sustainable and equitable governance. Lady Obareki was accompanied to the event by Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, alongside Mrs. Uwem Monday and Dr. Goodness Ekanem. They were received by AHSMUN Coordinator Mr. Asinya Divine and the principal of a participating school, Mr. B.U. Akang.
The conference provided a platform for students to debate, negotiate, and formulate solutions on continental issues, reinforcing the importance of youth participation in shaping Africa’s future leadership landscape.
