By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
At least persons in Akwa Ibom has benefitted from various empowerment programmes of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) in the last two years,.
GIFA was founded by the late wife of Governor Umo Eno, Mrs Patience Eno who passed on two years ago.
Mrs Helen Obareki, Chairman, Board of Trustees, made this known in an address marking the second anniversary celebration of GIFA in Uyo last weekend.
Obareki, who is also the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom said that GIFA would sustain the legacy of her mother, late Patience Eno, founder of the initiative.
“I bear this responsibility with resolve and determination, because I am inspired by the grace of God and the tenacity not to let down my parents and the good people of Akwa Ibom State.
“To put it briefly, a total of 53,987 lives have been touched and impacted by GIFA across Akwa Ibom State in the last two years.
“The breakdown is as follows; Maternal and Child Healthcare – 9,776 mothers and children reached.
“Enhancing Literacy and Learning, 19,587 adults and pupils of public schools impacted.
“Improving Environmental Health, 13 Water of Life borehole projects completed in 13 LGAs;
Women Empowerment – 5,064 women empowered.
“Fight Against Diseases – 4,900 rural women and children benefited from our Wheels of Hope Medical Outreach.
“Prevention and Response – 1,020 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were reached and rehabilitated by GIFA during the period under review,” Obareki said.
According to her, the impact of GIFA across the state has been tremendous but added that in spite of the achievements, she was aware that there was still much work to be done to help the vulnerable.
In his remarks, Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said though he would continue to mourn her late wife, thanked God for her life, though short.
Eno said he took solace on the lives the late wife touched through her pet project, GIFA.
He expressed appreciation to the coordinator, office of the first lady for the remarkable achievements recorded in two years.
