FIRST LADIES PROJECT INTRODUCTION

It has become the tradition for the wives of the Heads of State and those of state governors in Nigeria to be called First Ladies , and for these women to own pet projects through which they complement their spouses’ efforts of managing the affairs of the state.In the current dispensation, such pet projects are as varied as they are different from each other, but all are targeted at making life better for the masses by providing succour mostly to the underprivileged and indigent people in their states.

However, a good look at these special intervention projects across the states by keen observers has shown that some are impacting more on the populace than others. The reason for this is attributed to the genuineness of purpose , creativity and innovativeness behind these pet projects, the approach to their execution and dedication to the projects’ objectives.These pet projects and the First Ladies who are the brains behind the brilliant ideas are the ones The Guardian is featuring in this special report titled Most Supportive and Purpose-Driven First Ladies of States in Nigeria .

PASTOR PATIENCE UMO ENO : Development-Focused Altruist, Committed to Impacting Lives Through the GIFA Project

She is a resourceful altruist who believes that the purpose of life is to positively impact humanity. It is not surprising that her name has been on the lips of many people who admire her for giving meaning to public service, through her life-changing engagements. Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the amiable wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno and Founder, Golden Initiative for All (GIFA). Within the first year she has held sway as First Lady, Pastor Patience Eno has demonstrated her determination to put her vision to work, by bringing succour to women, youths, the indigent and other vulnerable people in the state.

In this interview she granted, in response to her recognition as one of the Most Supportive and Purpose-Driven First Ladies of States in Nigeria by The Guardian, the development-focused First Lady, fondly called Eka Iberedem, takes us through her background, guiding philosophies, and the objectives of her pet project – GIFA, among other issues.

Can we have an insight into your background?

I am Patience Umo Eno (Pastor) and I was  born on Monday, February 20, 1967, in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State. My lineage traces back to the union of Mr. Friday John Ekong Inyang of Ikot Akpaekop, Ikpa Ibom Clan and his beautiful wife, Justina, of Esa Ekpo, Ibiaku Clan both of the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State.

As the eldest child in my family, my journey of self-discovery and service began in Lagos State, where I laid the foundation of my education at Eleja Primary School in Surulere. It was there that I earned my First School Leaving Certificate before continuing my academic pursuits at Idi Araba High School, where I proudly served as the Assembly Prefect, shaping my leadership skills from a tender age.

Fuelled by a passion ignited by my mother, I picked up my craft in sewing, a timeless artistry that became my foundation. Eager to expand my horizons, I sought formal education at the esteemed Picean Fashions Institute in Ikeja, Lagos, earning a Diploma in Fashion Design. My thirst for knowledge then led me across continents to Valor Christian College in Columbus, Ohio, USA, where I pursued a degree in Pastoral Leadership, preparing me for a life of service and spiritual leadership.

My personal and professional journey is intertwined with my cherished partnership with my dear husband, Pastor Umo Eno and together, we have built a legacy of love, unity and faith. Our Union is blessed with children and grandchildren.

What are the philosophies that guide you in life?

I wish you had said philosophy, which should have just been one, but then, I will mention two like the question said. This two have guided me through life. The first is the one that says “do your best and leave the rest to God.” That has equally been my watchword ever since I became matured, ever since I realised myself, ever since I understood the role I am to play.  And so, I have been doing the best I can, and I trust God for the rest. I trust God to perfect the ones I have not been able to perfect or do perfectly.

The second is the golden rule, “do unto others what you want others to do unto you.” This has been the ultimate for me. I try to live right, I try to do the right thing with and for people everywhere I find myself. In dealing with people, I try to deal with them the right way, do to them what I would appreciate if it was done to me. That has helped me through life. 

What informed your decision to set up the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) pet project?

Having witnessed first hand the challenges faced by families, I am driven by the desire to make a positive difference in addressing the unique needs of every family member, knowing the vital role families play in shaping society. GIFA is the platform I am using to enhance family lives by providing support and resources tailored to their specific needs. From maternal and child healthcare to empowering women and caring for the elderly, GIFA aims to build stronger, healthier and more resilient families. This in turn will lead to the overall development and prosperity of our society. I am really honoured to champion this cause and remain committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of families across our state.

Can you highlight some of the major objectives of GIFA?

The Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, is structured around eight key areas, each with its own set of objectives aimed at making a positive impact on the lives of families. In the area of maternal and child healthcare, GIFA strives to make sure moms and kids have better access to healthcare services and receive essential care packages to stay healthy and strong. Twins, triplets, quadruplets etc have benefited with the provision of monthly stipends for the parents to cushion the harsh effects of the economic meltdown or crisis in Nigeria.

On Women Empowerment, GIFA challenges harmful traditions, support the growth of small scale businesses owned by women through the provision of grants. Known barriers to the involvement of women in politics are also tackled.

Inspired by the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme of Nigeria’s First Lady, we are intentionally attending to the welfare and medical needs of the senior citizens of Akwa Ibom State through the GIFA care for Elderly.  GIFA supports the senior citizens by encouraging activities every month that keep them engaged and connected thereby reducing loneliness and isolation.

In the area of Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response, the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee headed by me is observing June as GBV awareness month to scale up progress recorded and ensures that deliberate and consistent actions are taken to eliminate the spate of violence. During the month, we are collaborating with Non- governmental Organizations to host several advocacies and sensitizations that will hold simultaneously in motor parks, markets, schools and churches to encourage Akwa Ibom people to join in the fight against GBV.

To promote academic excellence among indigent pupils of public primary schools in rural communities, GIFA has distributed school uniforms, shoes and other educational materials to thousands of pupils in select schools across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

Other thematic areas include improving environmental health, exploring measures to tackle diseases and strides to provide an inclusive society where persons living with disabilities are cared for.

Funding is important in the implementation of the laudable GIFA project. What modality has been put in place to facilitate the participation of private organizations and interested individuals?

Like any other Non Governmental Organisations, even before the formal launch of my pet project GIFA, we had put down a plan. Considering all that we have to do under the 8 thematic areas, it was pertinent to set out plans for implementation. 

So we met with all known Donor Organisations and Agencies, intimating them of the plans for implementation and considering all angles so as to succeed in all that we have to do. During that meeting, we laid out the thematic structure of GIFA for them to see and identify possible areas of partnership and financing for our wide range of programmes. 

I must commend the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Development who is doing a wonderful job of coordinating and ensuring that we get as much partnerships as to help us in discharging our obligations to Akwa Ibom people.

What factors can you ascribe to the level of impact you have made since you became the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State?

 Firstly, I would say God has been kind and gracious to us. Whatever we have achieved so far is only by him. Secondly, I owe it all to the people of the state who have shown us great support and solidarity. Within this first year, we have witnessed unprecedented love from the citizens of the state and this has helped us settle in. I can assure you that we have many laudable initiatives that will be of immense benefit to the people to roll-out.

How have you been managing the challenges that are involved in combining the roles of being a wife, mother and First Lady of a fast developing state like Akwa Ibom?

I have been asked this question so many times before and the answer has always been the same for me, because these three areas are tedious no doubt, but over the years, I have been able to do what is known as balancing. Balancing the role of a wife, a mother in the family and being a Pastor in church to the congregation. Before now, I have been the Deputy governor of our Organisation the Royalty Group, and God has been faithful in helping me to balance these roles. Now that we are in governance, I have seen the same grace play out; it is still that same grace of God that I have been able to balance it all.

How would you advise young girls and women out there who are looking up to an outstanding personality like you?

I didn’t know I am termed an outstanding personality because I just derive happiness in putting smiles on people’s faces. My advice to the young ones that want to aspire to greatness or to success in their chosen fields of endeavour, to just be serious in whatever they set out to do. Like I mentioned earlier, I have two philosophies of life that have helped me. They should have their own philosophies to guide them and help put them in line if they want to deviate from it. 

The young girls and women should believe in God, while engaging in economic activities and skills that will position them for the entrepreneurial schemes created by the Akwa Ibom State Government.Additionally, they should get a mentor who will mentor them rightly in whatever they want to do and they should just be content with what God has given to them. They should also really aspire to be more. That is what I am trusting God for. 

HAJIYA SILIFAT ABDULLAHI SULE : A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE WITH SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, MAKING A MARK THROUGH THE SAS HOPE FOUNDATION

She is a purpose-driven First Lady who is trying to perfect the act of working silently while letting her accomplishments speak for her. Her Excellency, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, the wife of the Nasarawa State Governor has been committed to the empowerment of the girl child and providing succour to women and the elderly people.

Born on October 10, 1963, she attended Baptist Primary School, Sabon Gari, Kano State, then Kabomo Teachers College, Bakori Local Government under the then Kaduna State where she had her secondary school education. She proceeded to College of Education Akwanga, where she obtained, NCE Certificate in Home Economics, and later obtained Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition.

Her Excellency’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people of Nasarawa State and her unflinching support towards the realization of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS), the blueprint and guiding principles of the present administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State has helped to restore hope in the lives of many.

Upon her assumption of office in 2019, she immediately set up her NGO and pet project; Silifat Abdullahi Sule Hope Foundation (SAS), with the aim of performing humanitarian programs for women, youths and the elderly.

Under her NGO, recently she empowered 300 women in cosmetology, with a soft capital of 10k each.She gave out scholarships to some students of tertiary institutions, Nasarawa state polytechnic to study abroad. She has fully taken care of the bills of some cancer patients, five women and two children up to surgery level and alot of other medical/health assistance/support especially to the downtrodden. She gave out about 30 pieces of mattresses at the newly established police children clinic in Lafia. And some drugs as well. She is currently taking care of over 150 kids running the street in her community of Gudi Station In Akwanga L.G.A, feeding, school, etc.

In the area of education, Her Excellency, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule has also fully paid tuition fees to some persons (youth) leaving with disabilities recently, who got admission in some higher institutions. Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided food palliatives, books and other learning materials to pupils to cushion the hardship faced by parents as schools resumed, as well as provision of Personal Protective Equipments, PPEs to 248 schools in Southern and Northern senatorial zones of the state to curtail further spread of the pandemic. Also acknowledged as part of her Foundation’s achievements is the sponsoring of over 500 orphans’ education from primary to secondary school and assisting those in tertiary institutions.

In pursuit of her Foundation’s objectives, she made available what is called ‘Mama’s Kit’ in various clinics, to encourage women to go for maternity and child birth as a way of reducing maternal mortality among pregnant and nursing mothers. She always visit hospitals to come to the aid of women and mothers who give birth. Provided them with some baby materials and health kits.

On issues of Almajiri, she has continued to organize meetings with their teachers, i.e the mallams, in order to retune their orientation and reduce the menace. She has provided them with lots of study materials, clothes, food, drugs, and cash that will enable them shun street begging. She has held free medical outreach in collaborations with NYSC medical members.

Her Excellency has overtime been a crusader in the areas of mother and child health care, girl child education and issues of rape. Through her sensitisation programs, she encourages the victims to always speak out, assuring them that measures has been taken to punish the perpetrators of the illicit acts. She has also held several programmes in collaboration with NDLEA and other relevant agencies towards reducing drug abuse among youths in Nasarawa State, supporting the establishment of a rehabilitation center.

Her initiatives, such as the mother-child care program, have reached the remote and grassroots areas, ensuring that no one is left behind. Her tireless fight against gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, and her advocacy for the girl-child’s rights have brought hope and empowerment to countless individuals

She has received so many awards and certificates of encouragements and support to enable her do more on what she has started. The awards and recognitions received by Her Excellency include: African Peace Ambassador by African Youth Assembly for Peace (AYAP), Grand Matron, Mada Development Association, Breast Feeding Champion, and most recently, Best Performing First Lady on Girl Child Education among others.

Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule ‘s impact on the people of Nasarawa State has not gone unrecognized by the people in different parts of the state. It is therefore not surprising that as a mark of appreciation for her selfless service, she has been bestowed with numerous traditional titles, including the Ozi of Toto, Onyawole of Alago land, Jaruman Matan Nku, and Giwar Mata of Nasarawa State, among others.