By Solomon OKPO
The Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), a non-governmental organization founded by Pastor Patience Umo Eno, celebrated its first anniversary on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Ibom Hall, Uyo, highlighting its significant impact on the lives of women, children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, Lady Helen Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, described GIFA’s journey as a redefinition of charity, listing key achievements such as educational support for over 15,000 children, economic empowerment programs benefiting more than 5,000 women, and free healthcare access through the GIFA Wheels of Hope initiative. She also highlighted the GIFA Adult Education Initiative, which has provided literacy training and vocational skills to uneducated adults across all local government areas.
Governor Umo Eno commended the initiative’s strides, particularly the ARISE Elderly Initiative, which provides ₦50,000 monthly support to 600 senior citizens. Reaffirming his commitment to sustaining his late wife’s humanitarian legacy, he announced plans to build a Mother and Child Hospital to enhance maternal healthcare in the state.
The event featured goodwill messages from dignitaries, financial donations to GIFA, awards of excellence, and empowerment packages for beneficiaries. A major highlight was the foundation-laying ceremony for an ultra-modern GIFA Secretariat in Uyo, which Governor Eno vowed would ensure the continued growth of the initiative in memory of Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
