Coordinator, Office of Akwa Ibom First Lady celebrates inmates of Children’s Home as GIFA turns one

Children at the Special Care Home in Uyo have been urged not to be discouraged by their current life situation, but to view their stay at the home as a pruning phase that will propel them towards a greater destiny.

These words of encouragement were given by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki during a visit to the Special Care Children’s Home in Uyo.

Represented by the Member from Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Itoro Etim, Obareki, she urged the children to remain focused and intentional about achieving success in their lives.

She assured residents that the visit from the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), the pet project of Pastor Patience Umo Eno is a demonstration of love and an ongoing support for the well-being of all children in the state

“I see a lot of you breaking barriers, I see a lot of you smashing glass ceilings, I see a lot of you doing a whole lot for yourselves if only you do not give up and lose focus.”

“February has a lot of significance, that is why we are here. It is the month of love, the month that gave birth to GIFA, this is the month that brought Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno to life and I want to tell you that she lives on, she lives in GIFA, she lives in all the activities of GIFA,” she stated.

The coordinator praised the caregivers for their dedication to guiding the children and prayed for God’s strength and support for them in challenging times.

Admonishing the children, the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Women mobilization in Uyo Senatorial District, Hon. Elsie Esara encouraged the children to avoid unruly behaviour, adhere to the home’s instructions and trust that with God’s help, they would emerge as prominent professionals in society, including doctors, lawyers, and engineers.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Margaret Edem who was represented by the Director, Children Department, Mrs Diana Henry, expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his paternal love and support for the home. She thanked Lady Helen Eno Obareki for her unexpected compassionate visit.

According to her, the home is home to over 400 children, including 11 undergraduates, a serving youth corps member, an engineer employed in the state civil service, some in primary and secondary schools, and others acquiring vocational skills. However, she noted that the facility is in a deplorable state and urgently requires renovations, as well as additional staff, mattresses, furniture, and medical supplies for the health centre.

Speaking on behalf of the inmates, Miss Esther Friday, a 100 Level student of Sociology and Anthropology, at the University of Uyo thanked Governor Umo Eno and the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki whom she described as her parents for providing food, clothing and shelter for them while praying God to protect them in all their dealings.

Present during the visit were female stakeholders including the Vice Chairman Uyo Local Government Council, Hon Christiana Essien, Mrs Mercy Udoekwere and Mrs Aniedi Inyang, the matron of the Special Care Children’s Home, Mrs Udeme John and staff of the home.