The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the flagship project of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has impacted 53,987 lives across the state in the past two years.
Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Board of Trustees Chairperson and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, made this known during GIFA’s second anniversary celebration and the posthumous birthday of its founder at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo. She described the milestone as clear evidence of steady growth across the initiative’s eight thematic areas.
“I can confidently state that we have recorded remarkable strides in maternal and child healthcare, literacy and learning, environmental health, women empowerment, disease prevention, care for the elderly, support for persons with disabilities, and gender-based violence prevention and response,” she said.
Lady Obareki provided a breakdown of the achievements recorded within two years. According to her, 9,776 mothers and children were reached through healthcare interventions, while 19,587 adults and pupils benefited from literacy and learning programmes. She added that 13 borehole projects were installed in rural communities to improve access to clean water.
In the area of economic empowerment, 5,064 women were supported to strengthen their businesses and livelihoods. Through medical outreaches, 4,900 rural men, women, and children received treatment. The initiative also supported 10,800 senior citizens, assisted 160 persons with disabilities, and rehabilitated 1,020 survivors of gender-based violence.
Looking ahead, Lady Obareki announced plans to launch a year-round Tech-Empowerment Accelerator aimed at equipping 500 Akwa Ibom women annually with market-ready skills in software development, data analytics, and digital innovation. She explained that the programme would also provide mentorship and employment-ready internships to participants.
She further disclosed plans to replicate the GIFA Adult Education Initiative across all local government areas and sustain the Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils in public schools. Lady Obareki appreciated Governor Umo Eno for his continued support toward the success of the initiative.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno commended Lady Helen Obareki for sustaining and advancing his late wife’s vision. “I am pleased to note that this initiative is fulfilling the foundational ideals and objectives set forth at its inception. You have remained committed to implementing the eight thematic areas, as evidenced by the statistics and impacts you have shared,” he said.
The governor also announced that in honour of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the state government would partner with GIFA to provide water in all 369 wards through the “Water-of-Life” project within the next year. He directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (AKRUWATSAN) to ensure every ward benefits from the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Governors’ Wives Forum, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Abia State Governor, commended Lady Helen Obareki for the achievements recorded and pledged collaboration to expand the initiative’s impact.
Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi congratulated GIFA on its programmes, praised the governor’s gender-friendly policies, and assured continued support for the administration beyond 2027.
Senator Effiong Bob also eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s legacy and pledged sustained backing to expand GIFA’s reach and impact across the state.
