The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, through Enhancing Literacy and Learning thematic area of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), has sponsored scores of unlearned adults drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas of the state to learn basic knowledge and vocational skills.
During a visit on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, to InGrace Talent Academy, a vocational training institution and adult education centre in Uyo where the beneficiaries are acquiring knowledge, the First Lady Designate promised to provide grants to the students to help them excel in their diverse areas of vocation upon completion of their studies.
Lady Obareki said that the training aims at equipping the students with necessary skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient and contribute positively to the society.
While congratulating the students on the opportunity to learn, emphasizing the importance of acquiring skills and knowledge, Lady Obareki commended the teachers for their dedication and hard work.
The Coordinator said that the training will better position the students to benefit from the many life-changing programmes of the state Government.
“The government has laudable initiatives for all of the thematic areas of the ARISE Agenda. Everything we do in the office of the First Lady is complementary to what the office of the Governor is doing. It will not be a tall order when we put in our request for a portion of land, for instance, for those who are graduating from agriculture from this institution, to have where to farm so you can also be empowered,” she said.
The Proprietress/CEO of In Grace Talent Academy, Mrs Chiamaka John-Nteka, noted that the vision behind the establishment of the Institution was to enable those without formal education to achieve their purpose through adult education, vocational training and provision of empowerment packages as well as teen boot camp, where children between the ages of six to seventeen years are hosted during long holidays.
Some beneficiaries of the GIFA Adult Education School were overjoyed as they spoke with news reporters, expressing their appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for transforming their lives in recognition of their support during his last election. They also thanked Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for providing them with the opportunity to pursue formal education for the first time in their lives.
The event included an inspection of the classes by Coordinator Lady Helen Eno Obareki, conducted during teaching sessions with the goal of assessing student well-being as well students showcased the vocational skills acquired through the programme, including tie-dye, painting, and sewing. These practical skills will undoubtedly equip them with valuable tools for their future endeavours.
The First anniversary of GIFA holds on Thursday, February 20 at Ibom Hall Uyo and will feature a keynote address by the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong and presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries of several GIFA initiatives, by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady,AKS
February 19, 2025
