By Solomon Okpo.
UYO, AKWA IBOM, Scores of uneducated adults across Akwa Ibom State are receiving a second chance at education, thanks to an initiative spearheaded by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki. Through the Enhancing Literacy and Learning thematic area of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), beneficiaries from the 31 Local Government Areas are being equipped with basic education and vocational skills.
During a visit on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, to InGrace Talent Academy, a vocational and adult education centre in Uyo, Lady Obareki reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the students beyond their training. She pledged to provide grants to help them establish themselves in their respective vocations upon completing their studies.
“The training is aimed at making the students self-sufficient and positioning them to benefit from the numerous life-changing programmes of the state government,” Lady Obareki stated. She emphasized that the efforts of the Office of the First Lady align with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, assuring the beneficiaries of continued support, including access to land for those trained in agriculture.
The CEO of InGrace Talent Academy, Mrs. Chiamaka John-Nteka, highlighted that the institution was established to provide educational and vocational opportunities for those who missed out on formal schooling. She also mentioned the academy’s Teen Boot Camp, which trains children aged 6 to 17 during long holidays.
Overjoyed beneficiaries of the GIFA Adult Education Programme expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for transforming their lives and to Lady Obareki for giving them the opportunity to pursue education for the first time.
The visit featured an inspection of classes by Lady Obareki, where she assessed student progress and observed practical demonstrations of skills such as tie-dye, painting, and sewing.
Meanwhile, GIFA is set to mark its first anniversary on Thursday, February 20, at Ibom Hall, Uyo. The event will feature a keynote address by the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, alongside the presentation of empowerment items to beneficiaries of various GIFA initiatives.
