In a moment of pride and recognition for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment, Lady Helen Obareki, the esteemed Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, has been officially decorated as the Grand Matron of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the 2025 Africa Women Summit. The ceremonial decoration took place in a special gathering organized by the summit’s local representatives, affirming Lady Obareki’s standing as a transformational figure in African women’s leadership and advocacy.
Performing the symbolic honor was Lady Mercy Bassey, former Chairman of Mkpat Enin and a prominent voice in grassroots mobilization for women’s rights. In her address, Lady Bassey expressed profound confidence in Lady Obareki’s ability to carry the mantle of leadership for the African woman at this critical time. She noted that with this decoration, the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of women not only in Akwa Ibom but across the African continent now rest on Lady Obareki’s broad shoulders.
“This is not just a decoration; it is a call to action,” Lady Bassey said. “We are entrusting you, Lady Helen Obareki, with the collective vision of African women to break barriers, demand equity, and drive change from the community level to the global stage.”
Lady Obareki, visibly moved by the honor, expressed her gratitude to the Africa Women Summit team and reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to women and girls. She described the title of Grand Matron not as a position of prestige, but as a position of purpose. “This decoration is a symbol of trust, and I do not take it lightly. It is a reminder that our journey is far from over. There are still voices unheard, dreams deferred, and rights denied. We must continue to work to ensure that every African woman and girl knows that her voice matters and her future is secure,” she remarked.
Known for her tireless advocacy in championing social inclusion, gender equity, maternal health, and girl-child education, Lady Helen Obareki has long been a respected figure in policy circles and development spaces in Akwa Ibom and beyond. Her appointment as Grand Matron is a reflection of years of service, marked by results-oriented leadership and an unrelenting pursuit of empowerment for women at all levels of society.
The Africa Women’s Summit, which has grown into one of the most influential continental platforms for celebrating and advancing women’s leadership, continues to recognize changemakers like Lady Obareki. Through initiatives, summits, and community engagement, the summit builds networks and creates opportunities for African women to thrive in politics, business, technology, education, and health.
As the Grand Matron of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Lady Obareki is expected to lead a renewed vision of impact across the region. Her duties will include mentoring younger women, supporting grassroots projects, championing state-level policy reforms that benefit women, and serving as a bridge between local voices and continental platforms.
The 2025 edition of the Africa Women’s Summit promises to be groundbreaking, with a focus on inclusion, resilience, and innovation. Lady Obareki’s decoration sets the tone for a renewed commitment to these ideals and signals a future where more women will rise, lead, and transform the continent from the ground up.
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