The United Nations has expressed its readiness to collaborate with and support the Golden Initiative For All, the pet project of the late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The UN Country Representative, Beatrice Eyong, made this announcement during the first anniversary celebration of GIFA, which also marked the 57th posthumous birthday of the late First Lady and the foundation-laying ceremony for an ultramodern secretariat for the initiative in Uyo over the weekend.
Eyong commended the significant impact of GIFA, which focuses on uplifting women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups in society.
She emphasized the potential of women to drive economic growth, contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product if given the opportunity. Eyong urged policymakers to take deliberate action to establish frameworks that support women’s empowerment. She also highlighted the importance of equitable power-sharing in politics and governance, expressing the UN’s appreciation for the alignment of GIFA’s goals with those of the international organization.
“I came to support GIFA because it stands for what the UN stands for,” Eyong said, adding that the partnership would help address the core issues hindering women’s progress in social development. She also stressed the need for continued collaboration between the UN and Governor Umo Eno’s administration to tackle challenges faced by women.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting women’s inclusion and social welfare. During the ceremony, he laid the foundation for the ultramodern secretariat for GIFA, further solidifying his support for the initiative. He also praised his daughter, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, for her leadership in sustaining GIFA’s vision despite the passing of its founder.
“I want to 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 stated, the achievements recorded in the past year speak volumes, and the impact has been deeply felt,” Governor Eno said.
Reflecting on his late wife’s legacy, Governor Eno described her as a compassionate leader who was passionate about 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 several appointments in his administration.
In an effort to further honor his late wife, the Governor acknowledged that the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital had named its latest antenatal building after her. He also commended Arc. Iniobong Orok, the former Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, for dedicating an ICT center in her memory. Additionally, he revealed that his administration is building a Mother and Child Hospital to address healthcare needs along the medical corridor.
Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, Chairman of GIFA’s Board of Trustees and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, expressed her gratitude to Governor Eno for his continuous support and conferred on him the title of “Pillar of GIFA” for his role in advancing the initiative’s mission.
She highlighted some of GIFA’s key achievements over the past year, including the distribution of school supplies to over 15,000 pupils, the provision of free healthcare to women in rural areas, and the economic empowerment of over 5,000 women. Mrs. Obareki reaffirmed her commitment to expanding GIFA’s reach and programs, such as the Eka Iberedem Hub, which provides skills training and economic opportunities for women.
Reflecting on GIFA’s successes, Mrs. Obareki pointed out the construction of a cassava and oil processing factory in Mbiabong Ikot Udo, Ini Local Government Area, which was handed over to Mr. Benjamin Asuquo Umoren, a middle-aged father of six. This project has expanded to support women involved in palm oil production across multiple senatorial districts. She called for further collaboration with individuals, organizations, and government agencies to sustain and extend GIFA’s impact.
