By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Coordinator in the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Wednesday November 19, 2025, inaugurated a solar-powered Water-of-Life Project in Ekpat Iduot village, Abak Local Government Area, delivering a major boost to clean water access under the Golden Initiative For All Golden Initiative For All.
Image Credit: Office of the First Lady Akwa Ibom State / Golden Initiative for All
The commissioning makes it the fourth community to benefit from the solar-powered water intervention within one week, following recent inaugurations in Ukanafun, Nsit Atai, and Esit Eket, signaling accelerated rollout across rural grids of social infrastructure.
Ime Charles Council Chair in Abak, confirmed that the Ekpat Iduot facility would be fully protected, efficiently used, and secured against vandalism as a community-owned asset for generational health gains.
Speaking at the event, Lady Helen Obareki said the Water-of-Life Project aligns directly with the GIFA sustainability framework for environmental health outcomes, ensuring that vulnerable families experience uninterrupted water supply powered by solar energy.
She announced that similar facilities will be deployed across 23 more LGAs, leveraging long-term solar reliability and community partnerships, while urging community leaders to proactively nominate preferred project locations to the GIFA office.
GIFA Team Lead, Anne Abraham, lauded the initiative as a large-scale investment that restores community dignity through sustainable rural water architecture built on solar assurance, health security, and local stewardship.
Technical Officer, James Ekanem, explained that prior to GIFA’s intervention, Ekpat Iduot had no potable water for several years, leaving women and children especially vulnerable to environmental health risks, economic strain, and water insecurity.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Information Commissioner, Dr Aniekan Umanah, and the CEO of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, Andy C. Perry, who called for expanded collaboration to sustain rural clean water nodes across the state grid.
Other dignitaries present included the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah, the Ikono Council Chair, Otobong Essien, Mrs Charity Idung, and Charity Idung, collectively reinforcing multi-stakeholder support for GIFA’s rural environmental health pipeline.
The community erupted in celebration as women and youth groups honored Lady Helen Obareki with traditional songs, cultural dances, and expressions of gratitude for restoring environmental dignity and water access fairness.
At the close of the ceremony, the office of the First Lady distributed wrappers and discretionary cash gifts to randomly selected vulnerable women, reflecting GIFA’s grassroots welfare and environmental health care priorities.
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