It was a convergence of thought leaders, policymakers, and educational stakeholders on Thursday as the Sam Momah Foundation (SMF) held its 5th Annual Lecture Series in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The event which was held at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond.
The University of Uyo Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo who chaired the occasion, harped on the importance of collaboration between government, civil society, and philanthropic organizations in advancing education and human capital development.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Sam Momah Foundation, Dr. Tobe Momah, outlined the Foundation’s enduring mission of promoting literacy and educational empowerment. He recalled the Foundation’s numerous initiatives including reading competitions, library projects, and reading room installations in several Nigerian cities.
Dr. Momah said the Foundation launched in honour of the late General Sam Momah, former Minister of Science and Technology, was committed to grooming future leaders through improved access to educational tools and opportunities.
Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Praise Matemavi from Zimbabwe who spoke on the theme “The Girl Child: Building Stakeholder Buy-In”, called for a unified front against the societal challenges confronting girls, including child marriage, molestation, and teen pregnancy.
Dr. Matemavi urged lawmakers and institutions to enact and enforce policies that protect and empower the girl child, noting that “the future of any nation is tied to how it treats its daughters.”
A key highlight of the occasion was the official commissioning of a newly established Conference and Reading Centre at UUTH, donated by the Sam Momah Foundation. Performing the inauguration was the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, represented by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Emem Ibanga.
Mrs. Ibanga commended the Foundation for its consistent investment in educational infrastructure and its focus on inclusive development, especially the empowerment of young girls.
The event also featured the presentation of cash prizes and certificates to winners of the Foundation’s annual essay competition for secondary schools in Akwa Ibom State, an initiative aimed at encouraging critical thinking and literacy among students.
