‎IBA Conference 2025 : Lady  Helen Obareki Salutes Group’s Entrepreneurial Drive

‎IBA Conference 2025 : Lady  Helen Obareki Salutes Group’s Entrepreneurial Drive
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‎… receives the award of ‘Entrepreneurship Friendly Woman of the Year’
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‎The Ibom Beauticians Association has been commended for its  entrepreneurial drive in the state especially in the area of providing support and mentorship for creatives within its ecosystem.
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‎The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki gave the commendation Monday, while delivering her remarks at the Ibom Beauticians Conference, Exhibition and Awards Summit 2025, which took place at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
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‎Represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, Lady Oberaki congratulated the Convener of the Conference, Sr. Aesthetician Helen Nsikak Ekong for passionately driving the  entrepreneurial spirit which she said is in sync with the ARISE Agenda of the State government.
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‎She noted that by providing a platform for beauty experts and enthusiasts to share knowledge and network, the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs have been empowered with the resources needed to navigate the terrain with ease.
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‎”I commend the industry of the organizers of this novel conference, indeed you’re helping the ARISE Agenda of the Governor to gain traction in the beauty world. Thank you, Mrs. Helen Ekong for this gathering. With the synergy I’ve seen today, I must say that this is a redefining moment for all beauty practitioners in this state,” Lady Oberaki said.
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‎While thanking IBA for the award conferred  on the Governor Pastor Umo Eno, a posthumous award  on her mother, and herself, she promised to extend the support of her office in ensuring that the group’s objectives are better interpreted.
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‎In her welcome speech, the Chairperson of Ibom Beauticians Association and Convener of the Ibom Beauticians Conference, Mrs. Helen Nsikak Ekong, said the group was birthed out of the urgent need to assemble all beauty practitioners in the state to collaborate, have a voice, network and as well share industry best ideas.
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‎She added that it was also a platform to mentor, educate and empower young minds within the space with seed funds and tools to kickstart their beauty journey, stating that being a beautician remains a dignifying role in the skill-based economy.
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‎In his tone setting, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development , Mr. Ime Uwah, said it was encouraging to see a platform where all beauticians gather to share knowledge and empower themselves with the right information and business opportunities.
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‎He said the administration of Pastor Umo Eno places a high premium on entrepreneurial development and that it was his passion to build capacity among young and aspiring businesses in the state.
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‎The event which featured a lecture session on Business Branding by Sir Raphael Edem, panel sessions on beauty trends, exhibitions, also had awards given to deserving individuals in the state.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
October 28, 2025
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