The Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, has commended the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, for sustaining the humanitarian legacy of her mother, Pastor Patience Eno, and for complementing Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda through targeted rural development initiatives.
The Commissioner gave the commendation on Wednesday, November 19, during the commissioning of a solar-powered water facility, known as “Water of Life,” at Ekpat Iduot Village in Abak Local Government Area. The project was executed by the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) under the Office of the First Lady.
Describing rural infrastructure as a key component of the ARISE Agenda, Umanah, an indigene of Abak, highlighted the essential role of water in community well-being, noting that “he who brings water, brings life.” He applauded Lady Obareki for bringing relief to the community through the provision of potable water, and urged residents to safeguard the facility to ensure its longevity and sustained use.
The commissioning ceremony featured goodwill messages from dignitaries including, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Chairman of Abak Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Charles; the Village Head of Ekpat Iduot, Chief Saviour Abattai; and other stakeholders.
While formally handing over the project to the community, Lady Obareki stated that the intervention aligns with the development priorities of the State government and reflects GIFA’s core philosophy of giving back to the society. She further extended support to women in the community through the distribution of wrappers and cash.
