Friday July 24, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called on residents across the state to actively participate in a statewide tree-planting campaign aimed at combating climate change and positioning Akwa Ibom to emerge victorious in the Renewed Hope Initiative National Tree Planting Competition.
Lady Obareki made the appeal on Thursday during the Akwa Ibom State Women Monthly Prayer meeting for July, which was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
Referring to the flag-off of the Renewed Hope Initiative tree-planting campaign on Wednesday, Lady Obareki said the exercise forms part of a nationwide competition involving all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. She expressed optimism that Akwa Ibom would emerge victorious if residents joined the campaign by planting trees and documenting their efforts for submission.
She encouraged participants to send the documented photographs and videos of their tree planting activities, to the Office of the First Lady through designated social media platforms, including the GIFA Facebook page, to enable the compilation of a comprehensive presentation for submission in the national competition.
According to her, beyond the competition, the initiative will beautify the environment, mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to cleaner air for healthier communities.
“I’m making this announcement because I would like you to join me to win that money from Abuja. Please help me so that we can achieve that. Beyond the competition, planting trees will beautify our environment, help address climate change and make our communities healthier.” She said.
She urged Local Government Chairmen, wives of council chairmen, church leaders, community groups and other stakeholders to plant fruit trees and ornamental plants within their communities while observing necessary safety regulations in public spaces.
Lady Obereki commended the Commissioner for Environment, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the President of COSAWA, WALGON leadership and other stakeholders for supporting the flag-off ceremony, noting that the initiative aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on environmental sustainability.
The Coordinator also appreciated ministers who coordinate the monthly prayer programme for their consistency in interceding for the state and her people, praying that God would reward their commitment and answer them in their time of need.
Lady Obareki further expressed gratitude to the July-born celebrants, for their thanksgiving offering and presentation to the Office of the First Lady. She described the gifts as timely and prayed for God’s continued blessings and replenishment upon them.
Delivering the sermon on the theme, “A Glorious Beginning,” Evang. Mfon Israel described a glorious beginning as an exceptionally delightful fresh start orchestrated by God, regardless of one’s past experiences.
She declared that God is bringing Akwa Ibom into a season of glory and urged worshippers to focus on the future rather than past disappointments, emphasising that God’s plans are greater than previous experiences.
The cleric outlined several reasons for a glorious beginning, including bringing people into their divine purpose, honouring them, fulfilling His promises, restoring lost opportunities, redirecting lives to God’s purpose, glorifying His name and commissioning believers for divine assignments.
Quoting from Isaiah 65:7, Joel 2:25–27 and other biblical references, she assured the congregation that God would change their stories and usher them into new glorious seasons of restoration and fulfilment.
During the service, women born in the month of July, who called themselves the “July Rubies”, thanked God for the gift of life, describing their birth month as a season of harvest, manifestations, new beginnings and celebrations.
They presented essential personal care items to Lady Helen Eno Obareki for the GIFA team, to use in strengthening maternal and child healthcare services, for pregnant women, mothers and children, particularly during the forth coming Ibom Open Maternity Project organised by a coalition of Organisations, including GIFA.
The service also featured special intercessory prayers for Governor Umo Eno; the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; and Lady Helen Eno Obareki, seeking divine wisdom, strength and grace for effective and compassionate leadership.
Prayers were equally offered for restoration, renewed opportunities and God’s intervention in the lives of worshippers, as they transit into the season of a glorious beginning, while the Ibom Acapella group ministered during the service.
Lady Helen Obareki Rallies Akwa Ibom Women For Statewide Tree-Planting Campaign
