Senior citizens totaling 1200 drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State have received welfare packages courtesy of Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
GIFA is an initiative of the late first lady Pastor Patience Umo Eno and is being coordinated by Mrs. Helen Obareki who is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Umo Eno and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady.
The initiative, aimed at easing the economic challenges faced by the elderly, was part of ongoing efforts to support and alleviate the burdens of senior citizens during these difficult times according to Mrs. Mercy Eka, the coordinator of the program.
Speaking at the August/September edition of the A.R.I.S.E Initiative program, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Mrs. Mercy Eka, emphasized that the program was born out of a commitment to the well-being of the elderly in Akwa Ibom State.
She expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing Mrs. Obareki to continue the work of the late First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno assuring that they would work diligently to uphold the vision of the A.R.I.S.E Agenda.
Mrs. Eka also eulogized the late First Lady for her initiative in launching the program in collaboration with her pet project, the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), noted that the program has made a significant impact on the lives of many since its inception in early 2024.
In her goodwill message Dr. Ini Adiakpan, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare thanked the elderly citizens for their contributions to the State.
She affirmed that the Governor had made adequate provisions for their welfare and described Mrs. Obareki as a capable and well-prepared leader who will continue the legacies of the late First Lady. Dr. Adiakpan pledged her unwavering support for Mrs. Obareki.
Delivering a lecture during the event, Dr. Edikan Ekwere, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health Matters, hinted that the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency (AKSHIA) is a critical tool for improving the health status quo of senior citizens.
He explained that AKSHIA offers free medical services to individuals aged 60 and above, ensuring access to healthcare at any time. Dr. Ekwere added that the A.R.I.S.E program also provides care for children under five, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, with the initiative running for one year.
Beneficiaries, including Deaconess Iquo George and Mr. Charles Ntuk, expressed their gratitude to Governor Umo Eno, Mrs. Helen Obareki, and Mrs. Mercy Eka for their foresight in launching a program that positively impacts their lives.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Mrs. Margaret Udeme Otong, wife of the Speaker of the House of Assembly; Mrs. Fumi Idongesit Nkanga, wife of the former military Governor; Mrs. Unyime Aniekan Akpan, wife of the PDP State Chairman; Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inemesit Uwah, wife of the Secretary to the State Government; and Mrs. Comfort Bob, wife of the political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, among others.
