Lady Helen Eno Obareki (right) and Lady Edna Udeme presenting an item to one of the graduates.
By Anietie Akpan
200 trainees of the Female Youth Association (Purple Girls), initiative in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state have graduated.
Accordingly, the graduating trainees were presentatied with empowerment materials which included sewing machines, hairdressing and wig making kits, makeup and beauty tools, baking equipment, catering, videography, photography and other start-up items.
This is an initiative founded by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Female Mobilisation, Lady Edna Udeme out of a passion to help female youths contribute meaningfully to society and benefit from government empowerment programme.
Speaking at the occasion, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, in a release from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady of the State, commended his Senior Special Assistant on Female Mobilisation, for her outstanding contributions towards promoting self-reliance among young women in the state.
Governor Eno gave the commendation on Saturday, November 1, during the 9th anniversary and graduation/empowerment ceremony of the initiative.
Represented by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the Governor praised Lady Edna for empowering numerous young women with entrepreneurial skills and starter packs, describing her as a true ambassador of the ARISE Agenda, worthy of emulation.
“We are celebrating a movement today. I am happy and honored to be here. I really must commend you, Lady Edna Udeme. You’re doing a phenomenal job. This is a true representation of what the ARISE Agenda stands for. I am indeed proud of you and all that you have achieved over the years. Thank you for the training and empowerment, you’re giving them a source to make a living,” he said.
Lady Helen Eno Obareki addressing the graduates.
The visibly impressed with the initiative, the State Chief Executive supported the Academy with the sun of N20 million and encouraged other appointees to take a clue from the strides of Lady Udeme as this would help stem out unemployment in the land.
“Just imagine if everyone who has been empowered by government in one way or another gave back in their own little way, our state would be so much better for it,” Governor Eno said.
He further congratulated the graduating trainees and urged them to make good use of their newly acquired skills and empowerment items to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Governor Eno and Lady Obareki were later presented with awards of recognition for their contributions to the success of the organisation.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering support and to other individuals and organisations who have contributed to the success of the initiative, reaffirming the group’s support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Umo Eno’s second-term bid.
In their goodwill messages, the Chairperson of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area, Hon. Oto Aaron, and the Grand Matron of the Female Youth Association, wife of a former Military Governor of the state, Mrs. Funmi Nkanga, commended Lady Edna for her laudable vision.
