By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
No fewer than 53,987 persons have benefited from various empowerment programmes of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) in the last two years in Akwa Ibom State.
GIFA was founded by the late wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, , Mrs. Patience Eno, who passed away two years ago.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of GIFA, Mrs. Helen Obareki, disclosed this during activities marking the second anniversary of the foundation in Uyo at the weekend. Obareki, who also serves as Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, said the initiative would continue to sustain the legacy of its founder.
“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,” she said.
Providing a breakdown of the beneficiaries, Obareki stated that 9,776 mothers and children were reached under the Maternal and Child Healthcare programme. Under Enhancing Literacy and Learning, 19,587 adults and pupils in public schools were impacted.
She added that 13 “Water of Life” borehole projects were completed across 13 local government areas under the Environmental Health initiative. A total of 5,064 women benefited from the Women Empowerment programme, while 4,900 rural women and children were reached through the Wheels of Hope Medical Outreach under the Fight Against Diseases initiative.
In addition, 1,020 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were supported and rehabilitated through the foundation’s Prevention and Response programme.
Obareki described the impact of GIFA across the state as significant but noted that more work remains to support vulnerable groups.
In his remarks, Governor said that although he continues to mourn his late wife, he is grateful to God for her life and legacy. He said he takes solace in the lives she touched through her pet project, GIFA.
The governor also commended the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and the foundation’s leadership for sustaining the initiative and achieving remarkable milestones within two years.
