The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of AKWA Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has inaugurated the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, Water-of-Life Project in communities across 4 Local Government Area s of the State.
Lady Obareki who serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of GIFA, emphasised that the commissioning of the water facilities in the area and three other Local Government Areas in the state fulfills her mother, Late Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s vision of enhancing family lives, where families in rural communities have access to clean and safe water supply, are protected from water-borne diseases and supported with basic amenities to thrive.
While noting that it is often said that “Water is Life,’ Lady Obareki stated that for many of rural communities, water is much more than that; it is health, dignity, and the foundation of a thriving home.
“As we stand just a few days away from the 2nd Anniversary of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) on Friday, February 20th, I am filled with emotions of gratitude and today’s commissioning holds a special place in my heart. This is a tribute to the legacy of my mother and our Founder, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. Her vision was simple: to enhance family lives. By providing this ” Water of Life,” we are fulfilling her vision and promise, proving that the vision she planted is not only alive but is flourishing and bearing fruit that our people can test and see.”
Lady Obareki praised the visionary leadership of Governor Umo Eno through his ARISE Agenda, noting that GIFA complements the state government’s efforts to alleviate the struggles faced by people at the grassroots level, stimulate development, and improve the well-being of those in rural communities.
“This project is a direct fruit of the visionary leadership of Governor Umo Eno, through the ARISE Agenda, making it clear that the “Golden Era” must be felt most intensely at the grassroots. While the state government works on large-scale development, health schemes and infrastructure, the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, is providing modern solar-powered Water-of-Life directly to the heart of our villages. We are moving in total alignment with the Governor’s mission to transform our rural areas into hubs of health and productivity,” she said.
The Coordinator highlighted that thirteen out of the thirty-one Local Government Areas have benefited from the “Water of Life” initiative and assured that more communities will gain from the project as GIFA transitions into its third year. She also provided wrappers and financial support to some elderly women in the community.
In her welcome remarks, the wife of the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Council, Mrs Emily Umoh described the water project as a monumental achievement that will stand the test of time, noting that beyond its physical structure, the project has brought renewed hope and smiles to members of their community.
A goodwill message was also delivered by the wife of the Member representing Etinan State Constituency, Mrs Nelly Ekpo-Ufot who described the project as a practical step towards alleviating the sufferings of the community, expressing gratitude to Governor Umo Eno and Lady Obareki for serving as architects of modern development in Akwa Ibom State.
On his part, the Village Head of Ikot Eba, Eteidung Linus Ekong, while commending Lady Obareki for the thoughtful gesture, expressed appreciation for what he described as a remarkable show of love and commitment to the development of the grassroot, appealing to the state government to urgently address the erosion challenges affecting parts of the village.
