By Sharon Akuboh
The First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has charged women to strive to make meaningful impact in their families and society, describing impactful women as those who contribute positively to the growth and development of their communities.
Lady Obareki gave the charge on Friday at the closing of the two days 2026 “Proud to be a Woman” Conference of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, with the theme, “A Woman of Impact”.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, the First Lady Designate, reflecting on the theme of the conference, noted that a truly proud woman is one who creates positive impact wherever she finds herself.
She hoped that the sermon delivered at the conference would continue to inspire the women into bearing fruits that would be evident for the world to see. She also appreciated the organisers for sustaining the impactful conference over the years.
Earlier in a sermon, the Rev. Grace Idem, urged the women to emulate the Biblical Esther, whose willingness to risk her life for her people showed the courage required of a woman of impact, stating that God’s presence should reflect in their character and they should ensure that their words are measured and constructive.
Drawing her text from the book of Esther, chapter 4, Rev. Idem highlighted qualities that made Esther influential to include; faith in God, contentment, self-denial, modesty, humility, self-control, and persuasive communication, urging the women to imbibe the spirit of discernment before taking any action.
Framing the role with the acronym WOMAN, she described an impactful woman as a Winner, Organiser, Manager, Admonisher, and Nurse, one who overcomes challenges, brings order, manages responsibilities, offers guidance and nurtures others.
In their separate remarks, members of the First Lady’s delegation, including the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah; International Director of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Dr Glory Edet; and Chairman of Ibeno Local Government Council, Hon. Glory Effiong Ekah, applauded the organisers for providing a platform that empowers women to discover and showcase their potentials.
They encouraged women to make positive impact beginning from their homes, stressing that strong families would ultimately translate into a better society and made a collective contribution to the women fellowship of the church. The dignitaries also made donations to the six Mission Fields of the women’s fellowship of the church, who had earlier presented a variety of activities to add Colour to the conference.
Responding, the Presiding Pastor of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Pastor Ndaeyo Udomfuk, appreciated the delegation from the Office of the First Lady and other guests for honouring the event with their presence, explaining that the conference, which has been sustained for over 20 years, is an annual programme designed to groom women and children within the church community.
As a mark of appreciation, the women, led by the National Women of Faith Leader, Pastor Ime Owoh, presented 50 wrappers to the Office of the First Lady, to end the two-day conference, which commenced on Thursday, and featured praise and worship sessions, hymns, and presentations by the women fellowship of the Mission Fields and other invited guests.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
May 9, 2026.