Otobong Nsekpong
Ikot Eba community in Etinan Local Government is one of the many communities that have benefited from the GIFA Water of Life Projects executed as part of activities to mark the 2nd anniversary of Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
The Coordinator Office of the First Lady, Noble Lady Helen Eno Obareki, led a high powered delegation from Uyo to inaugurate the water project aimed at eradicating water borne diseases in rural communities.
Etinan First Lady, Mrs. Emily Uko Umoh led female stakeholders and women of Ikot Eba to receive Lady Helen Obareki and her entourage made up of wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Inemesit Uwah, representative of Uruan State Constituency, Dr.Itoro Etim, wife of the representative of ONNA state Constituency. Mr Unyime Johnny and wife of the Commissioner for Sports,Mrs Helen Paul Bassey.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Emily Uko Umoh, thanked the Coordinator Office of the First Lady for her passion and commitment in transforming and improving lives through GIFA.
According to her, the water project is not just a great feat that will stand the test of time, but an idea that has brought smiles to all members of the community.
She urged the community to take over ownership of the project by protecting and wadding off vandals saying, the project is borne out of government’s desire to better the lives of the people.
In her remarks before commissioning the water project,Noble Lady Helen Obareki, said the water for life project is not just about sinking boreholes but ensuring that mothers in Ikot Eba community no longer walk miles in search of basic necessities and our children are protected from water borne diseases.
“So today, we bring the water for life project to Ikot Eba community in Etinan local government area to safe guard the health of our children and support our artisans and traders to thrive”
She commended the state government under the leadership of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D, for the visionary leadership through the ARISE Agenda, saying, GIFA is providing healthy modern solar powered water directly to our villages. “We are moving in line with the governor’s vision to transform our rural areas into hubs of health and productivity.
Lady Obareki used the opportunity to thank her team for the wonderful work done to bring water to the women and children of Ikot Eba community.
Goodwill message was received from the village head of Ikot Eba, Eteidung Linus Tim Ekong, who applauded the government for capturing Ikot Eba in the distribution of life touching projects.
In an overview of the project, Mr. James Ekanem said the 14, 000 liters water project was dug up to 175 feet deep and is powered by 2,500w of solar energy, executed according to specification, fit for human consumption.
In a vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Hon Imaobong Michael, thanked the Coordinator Office of the First Lady for not allowing the vision behind GIFA to die, stressing that Ikot Eba women are happy beneficiaries of the golden initiative.
