22/04/2026
Lady Helen Obareki Supports Widows, Commends Dr. Glory Edet for Touching Lives
…As Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation Empowers Akwa Ibom Widows
In a remarkable display of compassion and social responsibility, the Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation has empowered widows across the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State with financial support to start up Small Businesses, food items, etc.
The programme, themed “Empowering Widows: From Resilience to Leadership,” held on Wednesday, April 22 at the Governor’s Office Annex, went beyond outreach, serving as a beacon of hope, dignity, and inclusion for vulnerable women.
Speaking at the event, the Special Guest of Honour and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, commended the Foundation for its impactful support to widows.
She noted that despite the challenges of widowhood, Akwa Ibom women have remained resilient and self-reliant.
She reaffirmed her office’s commitment, through the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) to ensure no woman is left behind, while also appreciating the Governor’s ARISE Cooperative Scheme across the state.
She urged the widows to remain hopeful and encouraged the Foundation to sustain its partnership with others
The First Lady Designate gave the widows financial support, wrappers and other items. Indeed, she did what she is known for as a good mother.
In her remarks, the President and Founder of the Foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, described the initiative as a deliberate effort to promote economic independence among widows and restore their confidence.
She encouraged beneficiaries to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic about the future, emphasizing that resilience, when supported with opportunity, leads to transformation. Dr. Edet also appreciated Lady Obareki’s continued commitment to the welfare of widows and vulnerable groups and the entire Akwa Ibom Women. She also appreciated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for a conducive environment and for carrying women along in his government as well as his Programmes for the elderly and other less privileged persons.
Highlighting the inspiration behind the Foundation, she referenced the legacy of Mary Mitchell Slessor, whose humanitarian work in Nigeria continues to inspire acts of kindness and social reform.
Charging the beneficiaries, Dr. Edet urged them to make judicious use of the support received. She revealed that the Foundation has empowered over 600 widows, sponsored education for more than 200 students, provided full scholarships to 20, trained and equipped multiple-birth parents, and supported persons with disabilities.
She also acknowledged partners, including ECEWS and others for their contributions.
In her welcome address, the Foundation’s Coordinator, Mrs. Jane Michael Essien, emphasized the importance of discipline, accountability, and hard work in maximizing the opportunities provided and charged the beneficiaries to make good use of the cash support given to them.
The event featured a keynote talk on the theme by Prof. Eno Etudor-Eyo and dance performances from widows across the three senatorial districts.
Goodwill messages from the Party Lead of ECEWS, Dr. Andy Eyo represented by the Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Asuquo Etuk who also partnered with MASLAG during the Widows Empowerment Scheme by supporting 20 Widows each with #30,000 to support their businesses.
Others who presented Goodwill messages were; Bishop Rev. Enobong Ibok, Pastor. (Mrs). Aity Dennis, Evang. Mfon Israel, Bishop Enobong Essien, and others,
appreciated the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting widows and pledged continued support.
In the entourage of the First Lady designate were, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas, Honourable Commissioner for women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Enobong Edidem, wife of the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Itu State Constituency; Lady Emem Ibanga, Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong; Mrs. Mercy Eka, Coordinator of the Elderly Programne ; Mrs. Affiong Nkom, the Director of Administration, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare/ Wife of the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene LGA, and others.
The event concluded on a note of gratitude and renewed hope, as beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the life-changing intervention.
Through initiatives like this, the Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation continues to demonstrate that purposeful support can transform lives and build stronger communities.
To God be the glory..
