GIFA touches 53,987 lives in two years, unveils tech accelerator for 500 Women annually – Lady Helen Obareki

Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) has impacted no fewer than 53,987 lives across Akwa Ibom State within two years of operation, its Board of Trustees Chairman and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has announced.

Lady Obareki disclosed on Friday, February 20, 2026, during GIFA’s second anniversary celebration and the posthumous birthday commemoration of its founder, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, at Ibom Hall.

Describing the milestone as a testament to steady growth and strategic execution, Lady Obareki said the initiative has recorded remarkable strides across its eight thematic areas, including Maternal and Child Healthcare, Enhancing Literacy and Learning, Improving Environmental Health, Women Empowerment, Fight Against Diseases, Care for the Elderly, Care for Persons with Disabilities, and Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response.

“I can confidently state that we have recorded remarkable strides in all the eight thematic areas of the programme,” she said, noting that the achievements reflect GIFA’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable families across the state.

Providing a breakdown of the interventions, she revealed that 9,776 mothers and children benefitted from healthcare programmes, while 19,587 adults and pupils were reached under literacy and learning initiatives. Thirteen borehole projects were executed in rural communities to improve access to clean water, and 5,064 women were economically empowered through various support schemes.

Additionally, 4,900 rural women, men and children received treatment through medical outreaches; 10,800 senior citizens were supported; 160 persons living with disabilities were assisted; and 1,020 survivors of gender-based violence were rehabilitated and reintegrated.

Looking ahead, Lady Obareki unveiled plans to launch an intensive, year-round Tech-Empowerment Accelerator programme aimed at equipping 500 Akwa Ibom women annually with market-ready skills in Software Development, Data Analytics and Digital Innovation.

According to her, the programme will offer high-level mentorship and employment-ready internships, positioning beneficiaries as key drivers of the state’s emerging digital economy.

While eulogising her late mother for conceiving GIFA in the interest of families and vulnerable groups, Lady Obareki expressed appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for his unwavering support.

She also announced plans to replicate the GIFA Adult Education Initiative across all local government areas, alongside expanding the Back-to-School Programme for indigent pupils in public schools.

In his remarks, Governor Eno commended Lady Obareki for sustaining and advancing the vision of the initiative’s founder.

“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 said.

In honour of his late wife, the Governor further announced that the state government would partner with GIFA to provide potable water in all 369 wards of the state through the “Water-of-Life” project.

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 initiative within the next year.

Speaking on behalf of the Governors’ Wives Forum, the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti, commended Lady Obareki for the initiative’s measurable impact and pledged collaboration to deepen its reach.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akon Eyakenyi, congratulated GIFA on its achievements and lauded Governor Eno’s gender-friendly policies, assuring continued support from women across the state.

Former federal lawmaker, Effiong Bob, paid glowing tribute to the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the initiative’s expansion.

Delivering the keynote address, leadership expert and Chief Executive Officer of The Discovery Center, Mfon Ekpo, urged Akwa Ibom people to embrace their identity of hospitality, trustworthiness and unity, stressing the need for collective action in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and accelerating development.

The colourful ceremony featured the cutting of the anniversary cake, cultural performances and empowerment activities. Team COSAWA, winners of the GIFA second anniversary football match, received a cash award of one million naira, while ten GIFA Icon nominees were presented with five hundred thousand naira each.

Winners of the GIFA essay competition organised by CityWatch Magazine received cash prizes of two hundred and fifty thousand naira, one hundred and fifty thousand naira and one hundred thousand naira respectively.

Performances by John Bassey, the Young Professionals, and students of the Excellence College Cultural Troupe, Ikot Unya, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, added glamour to the event, as empowerment items, including sewing machines and generators, were handed over to selected beneficiaries by Lady Helen Obareki.

The celebration not only marked two years of measurable impact but also reinforced GIFA’s evolving vision—bridging compassion with sustainable development and positioning Akwa Ibom for inclusive growth.