In the spirit of the Yuletide, the First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has hosted 10 widows each from all the 11 wards in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Thursday, December 26 2024, observed globally as Boxing Day.

The brief ceremony which held at the Governor’s Country home grounds in Ikot Ekpene Udo Village, Nsit Ubium LGA, featured the presentation of rice, wrappers and cash gifts by the First Lady Designate to the widows.

In her remarks, Lady Obareki extended warm Christmas wishes to the beneficiaries, emphasising the importance of community support during the festive season. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to providing care for those in need.

” Merry Christmas everybody. This end of year, with the support of His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, I came to meet with some widows of all of the wards in Nsit Ubium Local Government just to share a Christmas package with you. I know that His Excellency already sent rice to all the villages in Akwa Ibom State, but this is in addition because I know that you are carrying the responsibilities of your homes, now that your husbands are no more.” Lady Obareki stated.

Acknowledging the Governors compassionate leadership style as translated in the numerous humanitarian hoped the additional gesture would address the unique challenges faced by the widows in taking on the primary responsibilities of their various families.

Lady Obareki encouraged the widows to continue to pray for the good health and prosperity of the Governor and the state.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Umo Eno and the First Lady Designate over the unexpected gifts. Among them were Mrs Owoidoho Nwanekong Ekpo from Ikot Eyo, Ubium North 1; Mrs Eno Innocent from Ikot Ossom, Ubium Ward 2; Mrs Ndianabasi Isaac from Ikot Imo, Ibiakpan Obotim Ward 1; Mrs Elizabeth Etim Akpan from Ikot Iyire, Itreto Ward; and Mrs Patience John Eduok from Ndiya.

They shared their appreciation for the thoughtful gifts provided during the yuletide festive season, especially as they have faced significant challenges in raising their children since the passing of their husbands. They prayed for God’s blessings upon the Governor and the First Lady Designate, seeking divine protection and wisdom throughout their tenure.