June 14, (THEWILL) — The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has challenged graduates of the AkanDavid Executive Institute of Public Speaking to ensure that their certificates are matched by competence, character and purposeful communication capable of driving societal transformation.
Speaking at the 15th Graduation Ceremony and Public Lecture of the Institute in Uyo yesterday, Obareki said academic qualifications would remain meaningless unless they translated into personal capacity, integrity and positive impact on society.
Addressing the graduating class, she stressed that the true value of education lies not in certificates but in the ability to think critically, communicate effectively and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“A certificate is merely a piece of paper if it does not translate into capacity, character and communication”, she said, noting that public speaking remains a critical tool for leadership, influence and social change.
She urged the graduates to deploy their communication skills responsibly, describing speech as one of the most powerful instruments for shaping society.
According to her, words can inspire, heal and unite people, but can also be misused to mislead and divide communities.
She, therefore, advised the graduands to champion truth, promote understanding and advocate for vulnerable groups through responsible communication.
Obareki further linked effective communication to the success of government policies and programmes, noting that the administration of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda depends largely on citizens understanding and embracing its objectives.
She also highlighted the activities of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), saying strategic communication has remained central to efforts aimed at protecting women and children, supporting survivors of gender-based violence and empowering vulnerable persons across the state.
Earlier, Chancellor of the Institute, Akaninyene David, commended the First Lady’s Office for its interventions in protecting vulnerable groups and combating gender-based violence. He said the institute had extended public speaking training to rural communities as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
David maintained that education should promote critical thinking and moral values, urging participants to embrace effective communication as an essential life skill.
A panel of academics at the event also called for higher professional and ethical standards in the education sector, warning against the growing commercialisation of academic qualifications and stressed the need for competence, integrity and passion in teaching.
The panel, which included Prof. Comfort Ekpo, Prof. Aniekan Brown, Prof. Imaobong Akpan and Prof. Ashong Ashong, advocated reforms in teacher recruitment, improved welfare packages and an education system anchored on values and character development.
The event featured a graduation lecture by retired Permanent Secretary, Chrysanthus Asuka, as well as testimonials from members of the institute’s 15th graduating class.
