… Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Access
The commitment of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, to expanding access to safe and potable water across Akwa Ibom State has been reaffirmed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Organisation, Lady Helen Eno Obareki.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 14th solar-powered Water of Life Project in Ikot Aba, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, on Friday, July 31, Lady Obareki described the project as a practical response to the long-standing challenge of inadequate access to potable water in the community.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Lady Obareki, who is the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, noted that the years that residents of the area had relied for decades on an old well, was now history, following the provision of the water facility by GIFA partners.
“The GIFA family appreciates the Deaconess Sarah Joseph Inwang Foundation, and former National Assembly Representative Dr Esio Okwong Udo, for redeeming their pledge of one Solar Powered GIFA Water of Life project, made during our second anniversary celebration on February 20, 2026. Thank you for delivering this facility in record time.”
The BoT Chairman thanked the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his staunch support for GIFA and for sustaining the legacy of her founder, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
“Let me thank our Pillar in GIFA, our Golden Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for committing to sustaining GIFA as a living legacy. Recently, the Governor gave a directive to the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and AK-RUWATSAN to collaborate with GIFA on the ‘Water of Life’ scheme, by providing the GIFA water in all the 369 wards in the state. This is massive and we are grateful.”
She tasked the women, youths, and leadership of the Ikot Aba Community, to own the project and ensure proper maintenance, while protecting it against vandalism, stressing that community participation is essential to preserving the project for the benefit of present and future generations.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Council, Hon. Ime Essien, represented by his wife, Dr. Idara Essien, described the Water of Life Project as a life-changing intervention that would significantly improve public health, sanitation and the overall quality of life of residents.
Goodwill messages were received from Mrs. Nyakno Uwem Okoko and the project partners, Dr Esio Oquong Udoh, and Dr. Inwang Etim, who all affirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of inhabitants of rural communities.
Twenty five women were identified and presented with GIFA women empowerment packages from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare; the other women in the delegation from the office of the First Lady – including the wife of the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Ekaette Essien; the APC woman leader for Uyo Senatorial District, Hon. Akon Michael and the Vice Chairman of Eket LG Council, Hon. Inyang Akpawan; as well as female stakeholders from Ikot Abasi LGA.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ime Udoto appreciated GIFA and her partners for providing the water facility, and the empowerment packages, offering prayers for the growth and sustenance of the initiative.
The Water of Life Project is one of GIFA’s flagship interventions, designed to improve environmental health and enhance the quality of life of rural communities by expanding access to safe and potable water across Akwa Ibom State.
Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
August 1, 2026.
