UN Keys In As Eno Lays Foundation To Immortalize Late Wife’s Pet Project

The United Nations says it is ready to partner and support the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), pet project of the late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

The United Nations (UN) Country Representatives, Beatrice Eyong made the disclosure at the first anniversary celebration of the pet project which coincided with the 57th posthumous birthday celebration of the late First Lady and foundation laying for Ultramodern Secretariat for wife’s pet project by Governor Umo Eno in Uyo at the weekend.

She applauded the immeasurable impacts of GIFA, which goal is to uplift women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups in society. and assured that women have the potentials of exerting more energy as the driving force of the economy and contributing largely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, if given the chance, and urged policy makers to take deliberate actions and framework for women liberation.

Eyong who stressed the importance of women in social development and need for equitable power sharing deal in politics and governance said the support is in appreciation for the alignment between the goals of GIFA and the United Nations.

“I came to support GIFA because it stands for what the UN stands for,” she said and intimated Governor Eno, on the need for strong ties and collaborations in tacking core issues that impinge negatively and drawing back women women’s audacity for social development.

Addressing the occasion, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting women’s inclusion and social welfare initiatives as he laid the foundation for an ultra-modern secretariat for the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a pet project of his late wife, Pastor Patience Eno.

Governor Eno extolled his daughter, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, for her dedication in sustaining the vision of GIFA despite the passing of its founder. He commended her for demonstrating resilience and leadership in ensuring that her mother’s passion for improving family life and supporting the less privileged continues to thrive.

In his words “Let me congratulate my dear daughter, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Obareki, for stepping up and taking charge of this great initiative, As you have so eloquently reeled out the achievements recorded in the last year, it is evident that you have ticked the boxes in all thematic areas, and the impact has been deeply felt. Your mother, and indeed all of us, are manifestly proud of you.”

Reflecting on his late wife’s legacy, Governor Eno described her as a compassionate leader who was deeply committed to maternal care, women’s empowerment, and the welfare of the elderly. He noted that her advocacy for 40% women’s inclusion in governance had influenced many of the appointments in his administration.

As part of efforts to sustain her legacy, the Governor acknowledged the decision of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to name its latest antenatal building in her honour and commended the former Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Arc. Iniobong Orok, for dedicating an ICT Centre to her memory. He further disclosed that his administration is constructing a Mother and Child Hospital along the medical corridor to address the healthcare needs of pregnant women and children.

On her part, the Chairman of GIFA’s Board of Trustees and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support and conferred on him the title of “Pillar of GIFA” for his role in advancing the initiative’s vision.

She highlighted some of GIFA’s achievements within the past year to include: Distribution of school supplies to over 15,000 pupils provision of free healthcare for women in rural communities and economic empowerment of over 5,000 women

Mrs. Obareki reaffirmed her commitment to preserving her late mother’s legacy by expanding GIFA’s reach through programs such as the Eka Iberedem Hub, which provides skills training and economic opportunities for women, and initiatives supporting families with multiple births. She called for greater collaboration with individuals, organizations, and government agencies to sustain and expand GIFA’s impact.

“In retrospect, GIFA has recorded significant strides in just one year. One of our notable projects was the construction of a cassava and oil processing factory in Mbiabong Ikot Udo, Ini LGA, which was handed over to a middle-aged father of six, Mr. Benjamin Asuquo Umoren. This initiative has since grown to support women engaged in palm oil production across different senatorial districts,” she added