UYO-The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has commended the convener of the Uyai Food Festival, Mrs Mariatherese Adiakpan, popularly known as Chef Uyai, for using the annual event to promote Akwa Ibom’s rich culinary heritage while extending love and support to vulnerable children.
Obareki gave the commendation on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the Uyai Food Festival held at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, where she joined street children at a special breakfast organised as part of the festival activities.
The coordinator described the gesture as a selfless act of service, noting that the breakfast provided an opportunity to give to people who may not necessarily have the means to reciprocate, commending Chef Uyai for deliberately reaching out to children living in settlements across the state.
“Some of these children, this is probably the best meal that they would have for a while. So, I want to really thank her for having the heart to give to people who cannot necessarily give back to her. I think that’s a really selfless service,” she said.
She also commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for initiatives that promote service to humanity and giving back to society, noting that the values embodied in the Governor’s ARISE Agenda were reflected in the festival’s humanitarian component, adding that the Office of the First Lady and the Government of Akwa Ibom State recognised and appreciated the impact of the initiative on the lives of the children.
Obareki further applauded Chef Uyai for fulfilling her commitment to the children, noting that while people sometimes make promises without being able to fulfil them, the convener had demonstrated that her promise to the children was genuine.
She was hopeful that the hesitant children who had stayed away out of fear, would had been brought from different take up the next free meal offer.
Obareki appreciated the children and others for trusting the organisers enough to attend the special breakfast, assuring them of the love and support of the office of the First Lady.
She announced the provision of gifts for the children which would be shared to the children, by staff of her office, at the end of the ceremony.
Earlier, the convener of the Uyai Food Festival, Adiakpan, said the annual breakfast was organised as an expression of thanksgiving to God for the lives, health and wellbeing of the children.
Chef Uyai who explained that the Uyai Food Festival was conceived to preserve, showcase, promote and pass down Akwa Ibom’s rich food culture from one generation to another, expressed concern that some traditional meals were gradually disappearing from family kitchens, stressing the need to document and promote the state’s indigenous delicacies and their contribution to Nigeria’s culinary heritage.
According to her, the festival seeks to demonstrate to Nigerians and the wider world that many of the foods enjoyed on the nation’s table have their roots in Akwa Ibom.
She said that the annual breakfast for street children had become an integral part of the festival, explaining that she personally visits settlements across Uyo and other parts of the state to identify and bring the children together for the thanksgiving meal, designed to celebrate life and good health with the children.
Chef Uyai appreciated Lady Obareki for giving visibility and value to the initiative through her presence, noting that despite her busy schedule, the Coordinator had made out time to join the children for breakfast, thereby creating lasting memories for them.
The Uyai Food Festival which will end on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, is an annual celebration aimed at showcasing Akwa Ibom’s culinary heritage, promoting indigenous food and encouraging its preservation for future generations.