By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Nsekhe community in Ukanafun Local Government Area came alive on Thursday, November 13, 2025, as the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), Lady Helen Eno Obareki, inaugurated and handed over a 14,000-litre solar-powered Water-of-Life Project to the community.
Represented by Dr. Itoro Etim, the member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Lady Obareki said the project reflects the vision of her mother, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, whose commitment through GIFA is to enhance the wellbeing of families across local communities by providing clean and safe drinking water.
She emphasized that the Water-of-Life initiative complements Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on Rural Development.
According to Lady Obareki, “The Pastor Patience Umo Golden Initiative For All Water-of-Life project under the thematic area Improving Environmental Health aligns perfectly with the ARISE Agenda of our dear Governor, whose priority for rural development and infrastructural advancement is worthy of emulation.”
She explained that the cost-effective solar-powered facility uses renewable energy to ensure reliable access to clean water, eliminating years of long treks for water—especially for women and children—and reducing associated health risks.
Lady Obareki urged the people of Nsekhe to protect the infrastructure from vandalism, expressing optimism that the project would usher in a new era of improved health and prosperity.
“As we turn on this tap, let the clean water that gushes out wash away the challenges of the past and usher in a new era of health, productivity and posterity for all the people of this community,” she added.
Community and Leaders Applaud GIFA
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Prince Uyo Ukpanah, represented by Vice-Chairman Hon. Aniekan Owen, described the project as a blessing to Nsekhe and neighbouring communities. He thanked Governor Umo Eno for prioritizing grassroots development and reaffirmed Ukanafun’s support for the administration going into 2026 and beyond.
Mrs. Mokut Ukpanah, wife of the Council Chairman, praised Lady Obareki for delivering a life-transforming intervention, stating that access to clean water would significantly reduce waterborne diseases and improve hygiene practices. She pledged the community’s collaboration with GIFA for additional development projects.
Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties and GIFA Team Lead, Pastor Anne Abraham, described the Water-of-Life project as part of GIFA’s wider mandate to expand access to safe water across all 31 Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State.
Goodwill Messages
Former lawmaker Hon. Charity Ido, Village Head Eteidung Michael Ukpanah, and Mrs. Hannah Ukpanah commended GIFA for addressing a long-standing community need, expressing confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by notable personalities including:
– Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development
– Mrs. Comfort Imo-ita, wife of the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency
– Obongawan Obonodo Uko, State Woman Leader of the APC
– Wife of the Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun
– Key officers of the Ukanafun Local Government Council
The original press statement was signed by the Media Unit Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State
