The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), the flagship project of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, has touched 53,987 lives across the state over the past two years, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Board of Trustees Chairperson and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, has revealed.

Speaking at GIFA’s second anniversary celebration and the posthumous birthday of its founder at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo, Lady Obareki described the milestone as evidence of steady progress 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.

According to Lady Obareki, GIFA’s interventions over the past two years include:

9,776 mothers and children reached through healthcare interventions
19,587 adults and pupils impacted through literacy and learning programmes13 borehole projects installed in rural communities
5,064 women economically empowered
4,900 rural men, women, and children treated through medical outreaches
10,800 senior citizens supported
160 persons with disabilities assisted
1,020 survivors of gender-based violence rehabilitated

Looking ahead, Lady Obareki announced plans to launch a year-round Tech-Empowerment Accelerator, which will equip 500 Akwa Ibom women annually with market-ready skills in software development, data analytics, and digital innovation, alongside mentorship and employment-ready internships.

She also expressed plans to replicate the GIFA Adult Education Initiative across all local government areas and continue the Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils in public schools, while appreciating Governor Umo Eno for his continued support.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno praised Lady Helen Obareki for her leadership in advancing his late wife’s vision, stating, “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.”

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 initiative’s achievements and pledged collaboration to expand its impact.

Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi congratulated GIFA on its meaningful programmes, lauded the governor’s gender-friendly policies, and assured that women would continue to support the administration beyond 2027.

Senator Effiong Bob also eulogized Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s legacy and GIFA’s work, pledging continuous support to expand its reach and impact.