Lady Helen Eno Obareki Celebrates Esa Ndidia at One-Year Anniversary, Hails Young Entrepreneur’s Growth

Lady Helen Eno Obareki Celebrates Esa Ndidia at One-Year Anniversary, Hails Young Entrepreneur’s Growth

By Evelyn Udobia, Uyo

The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Monday paid a celebratory visit to Esa Ndidia, a fast-rising local food business, as the brand marked its first anniversary.

The visit, which took place at the business premises, served as a strong show of support for the young owner, Blessing Gabriel Emah, who has continued to earn growing patronage for her commitment to promoting indigenous Akwa Ibom cuisine.

Commending the entrepreneur during the visit, Lady Obareki described Blessing as a shining example of youth resilience and creativity. She noted that small and medium-scale enterprises remain the backbone of economic development and women’s empowerment in the state.

According to her, Esa Ndidia proudly showcases the rich cultural heritage of Akwa Ibom through local delicacies such as ekpang nkukwo, afang soup, ndek iyak, okra soup, and isi ewu – describing them as a true celebration of authentic local flavours.

“We came out to support a local business that is big on culture and showcasing the rich heritage of Akwa Ibom. Everything served here was truly delicious, from traditional dishes to local specialties,” she said.

“It is inspiring to see a daughter of the soil, trained through Ibom L.E.D courtesy of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, take this bold step to build something impactful.”

Lady Obareki further encouraged young people, especially women, to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that consistency, passion, and institutional support can turn small ideas into thriving enterprises.

“We are proud of her, and this visit is to show that the government sees and supports such initiatives. Through the ARISE Agenda, we are committed to empowering youths to build with their hands and talents,” she added.

She also reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the First Lady, through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), to continue supporting women-led businesses and grassroots enterprises across Akwa Ibom.

A visibly emotional Blessing Gabriel Emah expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a major morale booster and a call to expand her business further.

The Coordinator was accompanied by members of the First Family and staff of the Office of the First Lady, including protocol officer Mrs. Mercy Peters, who also joined in the celebration.

The visit ended with renewed calls for youth empowerment and greater support for local entrepreneurs contributing to economic growth and cultural preservation.