In memory of his late wife, Mrs. Patience Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has laid the foundation for an ultra-modern secretariat for her pet project, Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.

The governor, who led Reverend Simeon Afolabi of the Redeemed Christian Gospel Mission to lay the foundation stone, vowed to ensure that the initiative continues to flourish in memory of the departed first lady.

Speaking at Ibom Hall during the first anniversary of the project at the weekend, Governor Umo Eno, while reflecting on his wife?s enduring vision, remarked, ?Last year, we all were enveloped in an atmosphere of joy signalling the official launch of GIFA. Today, on the first anniversary, I am filled with the emotions of celebration and sadness, but in all, we give God the glory.?

He commended his daughter, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for her leadership and commitment to the initiative. He also highlighted the remarkable impact GIFA has had in its first year, particularly through the ARISE Elderly Initiative, which provides monthly financial support of ?50,000 to 600 elderly citizens across the state?s 368 wards.

Reaffirming his dedication to sustaining his wife?s humanitarian efforts, Governor Eno stated, ?We will continue to assist the vulnerable with the ARISE Humanitarian Homes, which she was very passionate about.?

Further commitments under GIFA include strengthening maternal healthcare and tackling gender-based violence. In pursuit of these goals, the Governor announced plans to build a Mother and Child Hospital to enhance care for pregnant women in the state.

Acknowledging key partnerships with local institutions, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for naming its antenatal building in honour of his wife, and to the immediate past Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Council for dedicating an ICT centre in her name, now accredited by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for examinations.

In celebrating the impactful first anniversary of GIFA as a Non-Governmental platform, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, says the organisation has redefined charity by investing in the lives of women, children, elderly, and vulnerable populations in the state.

She highlighted GIFA?s notable achievements over the past year, reiterating that her mandate is to build on the legacy of her mother by empowering women, children, and vulnerable groups in the state.

She listed some of the organisation?s notable achievements to include the provision of educational support to disadvantaged children, economic empowerment programmes for women, and healthcare interventions in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Other milestones, according to her, include the GIFA Adult Education Initiative, where unlearned adults are taught basic knowledge and vocational skills, among a litany of other impactful programmes.

?In just one year, this Initiative has made significant strides in the areas of education where over 15,000 pupils have received school supplies, residents of rural communities have accessed free healthcare through the GIFA Wheels of Hope programme, as well as the economic empowerment of over 5,000 women. The impact has been tremendous, as it has been felt across the State and we are proud of the progress made so far, although there is still much work to be done.?

?Another success story is our ongoing GIFA Adult Education Initiative under the Literacy and Learning thematic area, where we have brought together men and women from all the Local Government Areas who are learning the alphabet and how to write their names and basic information needed in their daily interactions. Their enthusiasm for learning the skills our facilitators have put together is quite exciting, and we will be empowering a few of them who are ready to progress to the next level of their lives.?

While expressing gratitude to God Almighty for the successes recorded so far, Lady Obareki acknowledged the support of her father, Governor Umo Eno, whom she referred to as the ?Pillar of GIFA?, as well as partners, donors, team members, and volunteers for their support, hard work, and dedication to the organisation?s mission.

Presenting a keynote address, the United Nations Women Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, reiterated that for rapid acceleration of development, women?s participation, empowerment, and inclusivity in governance and all spheres of public life are cardinal principles for sustainable development.

She stated that GIFA?s multi-faceted programmes align with the development plan of UN Women in ensuring that no one is left behind, advising that women be given opportunities at the centre and be involved in critical decision-making processes to record developmental growth.

In her welcome address, the Economic Adviser to the Governor and Board member of GIFA, Dr. Uduakobong Inam, averred that GIFA has impacted positively on the well-being of families and the vulnerable in the state, noting that through its programmes centred around eight thematic areas, the foundation has complemented the ARISE Agenda, the development plan of Governor Umo Eno.

The high point of the event was the ceremonial cutting of the anniversary cake, the presentation of Excellence Awards and starter packs to some beneficiaries of the GIFA Adult Education Initiative, cash prizes to members of WALGON and LEWA who participated in the GIFA anniversary football match, as well as the award of GIFA Spotlight Icon and financial empowerment to Mrs Aniekeme Peter Blossom. (Nigerian Tribune)

?Rev. Simeon Afolabi during the foundation laying ceremony for GIFA Secretariat at Ewet Housing Estate, while the state Governor Pastor Umo Eno and daughter, Helen watched.

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