The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki, inaugurated a rehabilitated solar powered water project on Monday in Ikot Akpabio, Nsit Atai Local Government Area. She described the facility as a source of hope, good health and dignity for the community.

During the ceremony, Lady Obareki stated that the Water of Life project reflects the commitment of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, known as GIFA, to uplift vulnerable groups through sustainable development in rural areas. She added that the initiative supports Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on grassroots advancement and social welfare.

She commended the facilitators from Insutel International Limited for the quality of work delivered on the project. Lady Obareki explained that the adoption of solar technology was intended to promote environmental sustainability and ensure long term efficiency.

Lady Obareki urged residents to protect the water facility from vandalism and to take its maintenance seriously. She noted that the project is expected to bring relief to women and children who previously walked long distances in search of clean water.

In his address, the Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Council, Prince Anthony Nyong, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon Affiong Amanam, expressed deep gratitude to Lady Obareki for the intervention. He praised her dedication to sustaining the legacy of her mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, who founded GIFA to improve the well being of Akwa Ibom people.

The wife of the Nsit Atai Council Chairman, Mrs Emem Nyong, also thanked Lady Obareki for locating the project in Ikot Akpabio and for continuing the vision of GIFA, which she said has had a positive effect on family life.

Technical officer of GIFA, Mr James Ekanem, explained that the project had been abandoned for more than ten years. He said the rehabilitation has brought great relief to residents who expressed appreciation for Lady Obareki’s efforts.

Goodwill messages came from the wife of the member representing Nsit Atai State Constituency, Mrs Affiong Attah, the Village Head of Ikot Akpabio, Eteidung Benjamin Obok, and the youth president of the community, Comrade Victor Edem. They commended Governor Umo Eno and Lady Helen Obareki for providing the community with essential infrastructure.

The delegation from the Office of the First Lady included Mrs Idongesit Otu, wife of the member representing Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara, Mrs Mariatherese Robson, wife of the Commissioner for Power, and Mrs Unyime Uwah, wife of the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council.