UYO-The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom , Lady Helen- Eno Obareki, has thrown her weight behind “My Sincere Girl Child”, describing the book as a game-changer in efforts to empower and shape the future of girls.
She said the publication delivers a powerful blend of inspiration and practical guidance, equipping the girl child with the confidence, values, and a sense of purpose needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Speaking through the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, Obareki described the book, authored by the councillor representing Ikpe Ward 2 in Ini Local Government Area, Ekomobong Nelson, as a valuable advocacy tool that complements the state’s efforts to promote girl-child education, literacy, empowerment and the fight against Gender-Based Violence(GBV).
The endorsement by Obareki, was declared during the public presentation of the book, and the birthday celebration of the author, where she commended Nelson for producing a publication that aligns with the vision of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All( GIFA), as well as the Office of the First Lady, which advances programmes for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Obareki noted that the administration of Governor Umo Eno has continued to prioritise policies that expand opportunities for girls through improved access to quality education, healthcare and social welfare programmes under the ARISE Agenda.
According to her, “investing in the girl child is synonymous with investing in the future of Akwa Ibom State”.
“This book is timely. It aligns perfectly with the core pillars of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, the humanitarian vehicle through which the Office of the First Lady touches lives. Her Excellency, our mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s passionate commitment to gender optimisation, education, and the total well-being of the girl child is captured under the women empowerment and enhancing literacy and learning thematic areas of GIFA.
“This book, therefore, happily serves as an administrative and emotional tool to support and reinforce those very values”, Obareki said.
Obareki also congratulated the councillor on her remarkable literary accomplishment, describing her transition from grassroots politics to authorship as an inspiring testament to the limitless possibilities available, when girls are empowered to realise their full potential.
“Looking at our author today , a sitting councillor, a lawmaker, a community leader, and now an author, we see exactly what happens when you invest in, protect, and empower a girl. You don’t just build a woman; you build a pillar for an entire Local Government Area and a beacon of hope for a state”, she stated.
She urged parents, educators, traditional rulers, religious leaders and policymakers to create supportive environments that enable girls to flourish, describing the author’s dedication of the book to her, as both humbling and a renewed call to service.
“I accept this dedication beyond being a badge of recognition, to a renewed call to service, and a reminder that the work we do to uplift our people, especially our women and youths, leaves ripples far beyond what we can see” she added.
Welcoming guests to the event, the brother of the celebrator, Dr. Imoh Etimudo said the occasion was a celebration of the girl child, who continues to distinguish herself as an exemplary leader with outstanding performances, as exhibited Lady Obareki, in the discharge of assigned duties and responsibilities.
The chairman on the occasion and chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Mr. Inibehe Umah,represented by the vice chairman, Veronica Bassey, also praised the author for bringing honour home through her literary achievement.
He noted that the book reflects the limitless potential of the girl child and serves as a source of inspiration for girls to pursue excellence.
Reviewing the book, renowned author and life coach, Mr. Aniekeme Finbarr, described “My Sincere Girl Child” as ” a substance of value that offers practical lessons for personal development and responsible living.”
He said the 80 paged book with six chapters, highlights several theories that support the raising of girls with character, purpose and excellence, together with the repeated mention of the timeless principles of sincerity, empathy, uniqueness and good character, virtues that remain the foundation of authentic leadership and responsible citizenship.
Finbarr recommended the book to parents, educators, schools, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders committed to raising confident, sincere and responsible girls
In her remarks, the author, Ekomobong Nelson, who is the chief whip of the 8th Ini Legislative Council, said the book was written from the heart of a mother who firmly believes in the immense potential of every child.
She explained that the book seeks to inspire girls to believe in themselves, make wise decisions and pursue their dreams with courage and confidence, qualities possessed by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Obareki, whose commitment to the welfare of women, children and families across Akwa Ibom , was not in doubt.
Goodwill messages were received from the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong represented by Dr. Tommy Enodien, and others lauded Nelson’s dedication and sacrifice in producing a book that promotes positive values.
They emphasizing that investing in the moral development of the girl child remains essential to building a progressive and prosperous society.
In the delegation from the office of the first lady to the event, were the chairman of Nsit Ibom Local Goeverment Area, Mr . Otobong Aaron, the president , Wives of Local Goeverment Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON), Mrs Akaninyene Udo and the president of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women’s Forum, Dr Eme Umoh,
The stakeholders joined in the birthday cake cutting ceremony after which the author presented gifts for the coordin
ator.