The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki.
By Anietie Akpan
Akwa Ibom state government may soon review its 2008 Child Rights Law as the Office of the First Lady of the state declared its readiness to partner National and the State’s Children’s Parliaments to that effect.
The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, gave the hint saying there was need for a revision of the Child Rights Law to align with the current challenges faced by children.
A press release dated February 7, from the Media Unit, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, said the First Lady Designate made the declaration on Friday, February 7, 2025, when she received the Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Progress Friday Umoh, in her office at the Government House in Uyo.
The Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Progress Umoh while acknowledging the vital role that the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State plays in promoting the welfare of women and children, requested for a collaboration to enhance impact, bridge existing gaps and formulate policies that protect and uplift the vulnerable children.
Umoh advocated for the review and amendment of the Child Rights Law of Akwa Ibom State, originally passed in 2008, to ensure that it reflects current realities and further strengthens the protection of children’s rights.
She highlighted the ills of Female Genital Mutilation and teenage pregnancy, proposing interventions that include awareness campaigns in communities to effectively influence policy.
While applauding the Speaker of the Children’s Parliament for her outstanding brilliance, Lady Helen Obareki thanked her for the visit and reiterated her resolve to engage in progressive partnerships that will add value to the lives of others.
“These are the kinds of conversation we want to have in the office of the First Lady because this is really why we exist. I am happy that there is already a child rights law and I am happy that you have said that there is a need for a review or a revision. That partnership is definitely approved and I look forward to working with you in that regard,” she said.
Lady Obareki presented gifts to the Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament and others during the visit which had in attendance the Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, Permanent Secretary Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eno Akpan, Desk Officer and Focal Person for the Children’s Parliament in the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ntiense Ibekwe, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Mr. Wisdom Emmanuel, Speaker of the Children’s Parliament in Akwa Ibom State, Miss Rhoda Vincent and Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Miss Anita Eno, among others.
