As part of activities to mark the United Nations’ International Widows’ Day, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has empowered 150 widows across the three senatorial districts of the state.
At the Widows’ Enhancement Programme which held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Women Development Centre in Uyo, the beneficiaries were trained on snail and mushroom farming and given starter packs and cash to aid them start and grow their business.
Speaking, Lady Helen Obareki said the gesture was beyond mere empowerment, but a seed of self-reliance and a symbol of dignity, one that is in line with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno.
The First Lady Designate explained that the training was designed to equip the widows with skills and support to create a means of livelihood for themselves.
In her words; “today’s initiative is more than just training you in mushroom and snail farming. It is a seed of self-reliance and a symbol of dignity geared towards sustainable livelihood. This transformative vision for sustainable empowerment resonates deeply with the foundational principles of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
“As widows, though life has thrown its dark pages at you, we recognise that you have also shown great strength, courage and determination. This programme is, therefore, designed to equip you with skills and the support needed to build a better tomorrow.”
Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, stated that the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki who is dedicated to the well-being of women in the state, has recognised the need to equip widows with entrepreneurial skills, help them achieve financial stability, improve their livelihoods and provide for their families.
Hon. Silas pointed out that based on data collected from the Widow’s Enhancement Programme, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare will offer support to scale up the businesses of those who have effectively applied the knowledge gained from the programme, with unscheduled visits to them.
During the knowledge sharing sessions, the resource person on Mental Health and Financial Literacy, Mrs Iniobong Josiah, stated that to develop a right mental health after the loss of a loved one, the widows should desist from endless grief, stay connected to supportive families and friends as well as engage in businesses no matter how small, to rebuild stability and be financially independent.
Mr. Jackson Ndueso, the snail farming trainer, and Mrs. Glory Ekanem, the mushroom farming facilitator, provided practical demonstrations, outlining a step-by-step guide for snail and mushroom cultivation, from setup to harvest.
Visibly elated beneficiaries of the empowerment programme appreciated Lady Helen Eno Obareki for her motherly love, noting that her generous empowerment has given them hope, stability and a renewed sense of purpose in life.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of starter packs for snail and mushroom farming, along with food items, wrappers and financial support for the 150 widows in attendance.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, Aks
June 27, 2025.