https://www.facebook.com/636275662912199/

GIFA HALF HOUR, 32 Udotungubo Street., Uyo (2026)

16/05/2026

The Africa Family Life Conference 2026

10/05/2026

LADY HELEN OBAREKI IDENTIFIES COMMUNICATION, FRIENDSHIP AS KEY COMPONENTS TO SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGES

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has listed communication and friendship as critical ingredients for a successful and enduring marriage.

Lady Obareki stated this on Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the wedding ceremony between former Miss Margaret Richard Tommy and Mr James Udo Ekanem in Uyo, where she joined family members, friends and well-wishers to witness them tie the nuptial knot.

The Coordinator encouraged James and Margaret to remain friends in order to sustain the qualities that brought them together, stressing the importance of open and consistent communication in marriage, based on her personal experience.

“I want you both to always communicate because I’ve been married for 10 years and I know that communication is super, super important. So no matter what it is, always be able to communicate,” she advised.

Lady Obareki who described the occasion as intimate and heartwarming, said her decision to honour the couple was largely inspired by the positive testimonies she had received about the groom’s character from colleagues and associates. According to her, the recurring description of Mr. Ekanem as “a good man” reflected the kind of person he is and underscored why she deemed it important to personally witness the solemnisation of the marriage.

Lady Obareki also prayed for peace, prosperity and fruitfulness in the home of the couple, expressing hope that their union would continually bring them joy, abundance and lasting happiness.

The groom, Mr James Ekanem, fondly called GIFA Man, is the Technical Officer of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
May 9, 2026.

08/05/2026

It was a celebration of love and new beginnings, as the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, led female Stakeholders, members of the GIFA team and staff of the office of the First Lady to the traditional marriage ceremony of the Technical officer of GIFA, Mr James Udo Ekanem, of Ikot Ekop in Mkpat Enin with his heartthrob, Margaret Richard Tommy.

The ceremony, which brought together the family of the bride in Iwo Etor, Etinan Local Government Area with their in laws from Mkpat Enin, was witnessed by a representative of the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Hon. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, friends,and well-wishers, including members of the political class.

It featured the grand entrance of the Groom, the search for the Bride and the traditional rites of marriage according to the native laws and customs of the brides family as well as prayers for love , peace and happiness.

Addressing the Groom, fondly called “GIFA Man” and his wife, Hon Inibehe Silas conveyed the warm felicitations and goodwill of Lady Helen Eno Obareki, wishing them a joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling marital journey, built on the foundation of God, enduring love and friendship.

In the delegation from the office of the First Lady were the wife of the member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the House of Assembly Mrs Comfort Imo - Ita and her Spouse; the Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperative; Mrs Alice Ekpenyong and the President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Udo.

Others were the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah; the chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Engr Emmanuel Inyang, together with the immediate and extended families of James (popularly known as the “GIFA Man) and Margaret, among others.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
May 8, 2026.

29/04/2026

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE : LADY HELEN OBAREKI URGES SURVIVORS TO SPEAK OUT

The Coordinator of the ffice of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has called on women in the state to break the silence surrounding Gender-Based Violence, assuring them of government's support in the pursuit of justice.

Lady Obareki made the call on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, while talking to newsmen, shortly after attending proceedings at High Court 1 in Abak Local Government Area, where one Mr EKONG, Hope Henry, has been arraigned and is standing trial on a 3 count charge of attempt to kill, intent to cause grievous harm, and threat to kill one Miss Rachael Samuel Ndop.

The Coordinator, who was in court for the first hearing of the case, with the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas and other female stakeholders, expressed optimism that justice would be served as the case progresses.

“I want to encourage women that they shouldn’t keep silent. This government is in solidarity with women against Gender-Based Violence. When you see something, say something. Break the silence,” she said.

She emphasised that the state government has created supportive structures for victims of abuse, including helplines and intervention platforms such as the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which she superintendents over as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee, headed by her.

According to her, these channels are designed to ensure that victims receive timely assistance and protection, as increasing attention is being given to cases of violence against women, noting that it reflects a growing commitment to justice and accountability. She added that the presence of government officials and stakeholders at the court underscores the state’s solidarity with victims.

“We are thankful that we can see a day where cases against women are taken seriously. The whole state is in solidarity, and we hope that at the end of the case, the verdict will be in favour of the abused woman,” she stated.

The Coordinator also expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for fostering an enabling environment that empowers women to speak up against abuse without fear.

In her words; "we thank the Governor for giving us a safe environment to express our concerns and report abuse. It has given us the confidence to stand here today and support this cause."

Addressing a large gathering of women at the Abak Local Government Council Secretariat, who turned out with placards in solidarity against Gender-Based Violence, the state Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, emphasized that the state government strongly condemns all forms of Gender-Based Violence.

She urged women across the state to remove themselves from abusive situations where possible, and to promptly report any incidents of violence to the appropriate authorities when leaving is not an immediate option.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, condemned all forms of violence and encouraged women to report such cases as the doors of her ministry is always open.

Meanwhile, the defendant has entered a plea of not guilty to all the three counts. The court has ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending trial.

The matter has been adjourned to Wednesday, May 20, 2026 for further hearing on the matter, by the court.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 29, 2026.

25/04/2026

COORDINATOR OFFICE OF FIRST LADY, ORS CELEBRATE PASTOR UMO ENO AT 62

The coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, yesterday joined in the celebration of the 62nd birthday of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Speaking at the Governor’s birthday celebration with children in Special Homes, Lady Obareki described her father as a larger-than-life example of sacrifice and compassion, a He-for-She champion, Pillar in GIFA, and a statesman who speaks for
the elderly, and mediates continuously for the vulnerable.

“Your Excellency! My Golden Governor, my Leader, and most importantly, my Father. You are love in action, and I celebrate you and the philanthropic work you champion in ensuring that every child, especially these ones, have a voice. Only recently, you transformed the life of one of the recent graduates in the home, directing her immediate employment. We celebrate your lifelong compassion which has found a wider expression in the expansion of hope across Akwa Ibom State.”

“Through your dedicated leadership, the state government has prioritised the rapid development of rural communities,roads are being constructed to link communities, water flows into thirsty
communities, our vulnerable senior citizens and elders enjoy relief, and
dignity is being restored to homes that once felt forgotten.”

“You are a sanctuary for the fatherless and a fortress for the weak. By choosing the children of our orphanages as the primary beneficiaries of your special day, you are reminding every Akwa Ibomite that in your heart, there are no 'forgotten children'; only favoured future leaders”, Lady Obareki said.

“As you celebrate your birthday today, may the prayers and testimonies of these children you have fed, the orphans you have housed, and the homes you have restored, rise even louder. May the joy you have sown in the homes of the vulnerable, return to you in a harvest of strength, wisdom, and peace, “ she added.

The birthday party which had bouncy castles set up and a lot of fun activities for the children drawn from all the government sponsored special homes, featured special presentations by the children who had gifts for the Governor, together with special appearances by the Harmonic Voices Chorale International, the Young Professionals and Chris Vic.

The children were given a wide array of gifts ranging from school bags, to educational tablets, with the Governor making pledges towards the wellbeing of the children and their caregivers.

A young girl, Benita, who shares the same birthday with the Governor played a special song for Pastor Umo Eno, who later cut his cake, surrounded by his children grandchildren, siblings and others.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 25, 2026.

24/04/2026

LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI ADVOCATES WOMEN-CENTERED AGRIC POLICIES TO ENSURE FOOD SUFFICIENCY IN NIGER DELTA

The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has emphasized that sustainable food security in the Niger Delta cannot be achieved without placing women at the center of agricultural policies and development strategies.

Lady Obareki made this known on Thursday, April 23, 2026, while delivering her remarks at the Niger Delta Food Security Summit & Expo, NDFSSE, co-hosted by McRobert Energies Limited in Uyo, where stakeholders gathered to discuss solutions around food security, energy, and youth inclusivity in the region.

Speaking on the theme, “Women as Catalysts for Food Security and Community Development in the Niger Delta,” she described women as indispensable actors across the agricultural value chain, from planting and processing to marketing and household consumption, stressing the need for intentional and structured empowerment of women.

“Let’s assess this simple value chain: from the moment a seed is planted,
nurtured, harvested, and its produce transported, sold, and prepared…to the moment that seed becomes a meal served on a family table, there is a constant; a steady hand that is present at every stage. Again, in our rural communities, who manages the subsistence plots, processes the cassava, and navigates the local markets? In all these areas, we must deduce a simple truth: Any strategy for food security that does not center on the woman is not a strategy.”

Represented by the State President of the Commissioners and Special Advisers Wives Association, COSAWA, Dr Bright Archibong, Lady Obareki highlighted several initiatives under Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, stating that over ₦2 billion has been disbursed in grants and agricultural inputs to farmers to boost productivity.

"The Ibom Model Farm has been established, following the Governor's study of the Songhai Farms in Porto-Novo. This is a one-stop agricultural hub designed to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern agribusiness", she noted.

She further outlined the impact of women-focused initiatives such as the ARISE Cooperatives and the Eka Iberedem Hub, operating under the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, which provide training, financing access, and market opportunities for rural women, urging increased investment in women-led agricultural enterprises, describing women as the “blue-chip” assets of the region’s food economy.

“Throughout the farmlands of this region, women are not just participants in the food chain; they are the primary catalysts for stability and community development. To the international partners present, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): The Akwa Ibom woman is ready for global trade. We are not just farming, we are building an ecosystem.”

“As we move from this plenary to the technical sessions, and back to our
various organizations, I leave you with a challenge; In the world of finance, we look for 'Blue Chip' stocks, that is - investments that are reliable, resilient, and guaranteed to grow. In the Niger Delta, the 'Blue Chip' of our food economy is the woman. When you fund a women's cooperative, you aren't just making a
donation; you are investing in a project with a 100% success rate for
community stability,” she concluded.

The summit was convened by Mr Emmanuel Robert, alongside his co-convener, Iniobong Otuekong, who emphasized the need for sustained partnerships aimed at capacity building, improving agricultural productivity, and enabling women in the Niger Delta to drive initiatives for food security and community advancement.

It featured a series of insightful presentations from leading experts, all centered on unlocking the Niger Delta’s economic potential through strategic export development.

Delivering a paper on “Building Export Clusters and Hubs in the Niger Delta: A Pathway to Economic Prosperity,” the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, represented by the Deputy Director, Investment and Promotion, Mr. Augustine Onyekwelu, underscored the transformative impact of structured export systems, explaining that the establishment of specialized export clusters would eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce agricultural waste, and stimulate sustainable economic diversification. According to him, such clusters have the capacity to generate large-scale employment and attract foreign investment into the region.

In another presentation titled “Harnessing Export Opportunities in Agricultural Value Chains for Youth Empowerment in the Niger Delta,” the State Director of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Mr. Idongesit Essien, highlighted Nigeria’s strong potential in the global export market. He noted that with coordinated efforts and optimal resource utilization, the country can secure a competitive share internationally.

He emphasized the need to operationalize existing export zones, integrate climate-smart and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, and deploy innovative financing mechanisms, stressing that making agriculture more attractive and accessible to young people would position export clusters as catalysts for food security, job creation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic growth.

Also speaking on “Women as Drivers of Food Security in Global and Regional Trade Systems,” the President of the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), Dr. Blessing Irabor-Oza, called for deliberate and sustained investment in women and youth empowerment, maintaining that Africa’s ambition to achieve food security and compete globally, hinges on building efficient and inclusive systems, rather than relying solely on potential.

Other women in the First Lady’s delegation to the summit were the President of WALGON, Mrs Akaninyene Udo; the wife of the Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Advisor to the Governor, Mrs Bassey Johnson and the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on women mobilization, Dr Ekemini Umoh.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 23, 2026

24/04/2026

The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki celebrates Pastor Umo Eno on 62nd Birthday.

23/04/2026

LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING WIDOWS, VULNERABLE GROUPS IN A'IBOM

The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has reiterated her commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through targeted interventions in healthcare, economic empowerment and social protection.

Speaking at a widows' empowerment programme hosted by the Mary Slessor-Akan Glo Foundation (MASLAG), on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with the theme “Empowering Widows: From Resilience to Leadership”, she described the theme as one that speaks not only to survival but to the transformation of widows, who continue to demonstrate remarkable strength despite facing economic hardship, social exclusion and limited access to opportunities.

The First Lady Designate said that the resilience displayed by widows positions them as emerging leaders within their homes, marketplaces and communities, stressing that leadership goes beyond titles to include influence, confidence, self-reliance and the ability to drive change.

“When we empower widows, we are not just supporting individuals; we are strengthening families, stabilising communities and building a more inclusive society. The Office of the First Lady, through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), remains committed to programmes that uplift vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through targeted interventions in healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection. We are working to ensure that no woman is left behind,” she said.

She recalled that in 2025, to commemorate International Widows' Day, 150 widows aged between 25 and 40 were trained in snail and mushroom farming under a widows’ enhancement programme, noting that feedback received from some of the participants has been encouraging, with some beneficiaries now running successful ventures and training others in their communities.

Lady Obareki commended Governor Umo Eno for plans to establish ARISE cooperatives across the 369 wards in the state, describing it as a strategic move to enhance financial inclusion, provide access to resources and promote collective empowerment for Akwa Ibom women, especially widows.

She also encouraged beneficiaries of the MASLAG programme to take advantage of available training, support and resources, urging them to remain confident and purposeful.

“Your story has not ended with the loss of your husbands. It continues in strength, grows in purpose and can rise into leadership. You are not alone. There is a community standing with you, and there are opportunities, such as this, opening up for you to thrive. I urge you to take full advantage of the support, training, and resources provided through this programme. Believe in your capacity.” she added.

Lady Obareki also commended MASLAG, under the leadership of Glory Edet and their partners, for committing hard earned resources towards improving the lives of widows and other vulnerable groups, noting that the foundation’s impact is both immediate and far-reaching.

In her address, the Founder and President of the foundation, Dr. Glory Edet, said the organisation was born out of love and empathy for the less privileged and to honour the memory of Mary Slessor, who ended the killing of twins in the region.

Dr. Edet revealed that the foundation has grown to include over 7,000 registered members, providing a robust support network for the state’s most vulnerable. She said that more than 600 widows had been assisted by the foundation with specialized vocational training and start-up resources to establish their financial independence, adding that the organization’s impact also extends to education, where it provides scholarships and covers school fees for students in tertiary institutions.

Further highlighting the foundation’s scope, Dr. Edet detailed ongoing assistance for multiple-birth families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

She expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, HE Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., for maintaining a peaceful environment that facilitates humanitarian work, while calling on beneficiaries to remain supportive of the state’s administration.

In a goodwill message, the Party Lead of the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), Dr. Andy Eyo, represented by Mr. Asuquo Etuk, Chief Technical Officer, ECEWS, lauded the foundation’s interventions and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting women and adolescents across the state. In a practical show of support, the organization presented 20 widows with cheques of ₦30,000 each and pledged continued follow-up.

In a keynote address on the theme “Empowering Widows: From Resilience to Leadership, Prof. Eno Etudor-Eyo noted that leadership should be defined by responsibility, accountability and care for people, protecting their growth, welfare and psychological safety, urging the widows to aspire to make a difference.

The Coordinator who supported the foundation with cash for startup businesses owned by widows and wrappers for all the beneficiaries, was accompanied to the event, by the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Enobong Edidem; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Inibehe Silas, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Lady Emem Ibanga and the Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Mrs Alice Ekpenyong.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 22, 2026.

11/04/2026

‎LADY HELEN ENO OBAREKI RECEIVES "AWARD OF EXCELLENCE" FROM THE CORRESPONDENTS' CHAPEL OF NUJ AKWA IBOM STATE
‎
‎...harps on constructive, objective and responsible journalism
‎
‎The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence from the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, “in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social development, humanitarian services and remarkable achievements, through the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA.
‎
‎The award came during the 2026 Dinner and Awards Night of the Correspondents' Chapel and presentation of the Critique Magazine, on Friday April 10, at the NUJ Press Center, Uyo.
‎
‎Lady Obareki who was represented at the occasion by the Member representing Urueoffong Oruko State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Precious Selong, thanked the group for the honour done her, underscoring the place of constructive and responsible journalism in state and nation building.
‎
‎She stated that objectivity, balance, depth, and commitment to truth are journalism tenets that cannot be overstated, positing that it "is not about praise or criticism in isolation; it is about asking the right questions, presenting verified facts, and providing context that empowers citizens to act."
‎
‎Obareki further noted that the theme of the event, 'From Insight to Action: The Role of the Media in Shaping the ARISE Agenda Legacy', was both reflective and forward-looking, as it challenges the society to move beyond simply understanding issues to actively shaping outcomes.
‎
‎"The credibility of our institutions, the stability of our communities, and the trust of our people depend, in no small measure, on the quality of the stories you tell. Also, the success and legacy of the ARISE Agenda which is the blueprint of the State government depend largely on how well it is communicated, understood, embraced, and translated into real impact in the lives of Akwa Ibom people," she stated.
‎
‎Earlier, the Chairman of Correspondents' Chapel of the NUJ, Comrade Bassey Akra, who described the event as a convergence of media practitioners to chart the development trajectory for Akwa Ibom State, said the ARISE Agenda of the State government was a workable blueprint capable of solving myriads of challenges confronting the State if well articulated and implemented.
‎
‎The Chairman on the occasion and Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Senator Ita Enang, emphasized the critical role of journalists in strengthening democratic values, describing media engagements as highly respected platforms in society.
‎
‎Enang commended the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its contributions to the growth of democracy in Akwa Ibom State, and noted that the state has continued to evolve its development narrative, aligning the ARISE Agenda with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current federal administration.
‎
‎In a keynote address, the Chairman of Top Faith University, Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, called on journalists to align their reportage with the development-driven vision of the state government under Governor Umo Eno.
‎
‎He stressed the role of the media as a key partner in development, urging journalists to consistently highlight government initiatives and developmental strides.

Other women in the delegation from the office of the First Lady were the wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Inemesit Uwah; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Inibehe Silas; and Mrs Emem Orok.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 11,2026.

06/04/2026

Christ is risen!
Hallelujah 👌

02/04/2026

CARE FOR THE ELDERLY: 1,200 SENIOR CITIZENS IN AKWA IBOM RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

1,200 senior citizens in Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, April 2, 2026, received N50,000 each under the ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, a welfare programme aimed at improving the well-being of older persons in the state, and enrollment into the Akwa Ibom State health insurance scheme - ARISECare.

The event, the first edition of the initiative for 2026, took place at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, described the initiative as a promise kept and a reflection of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to the welfare of vulnerable groups.

She explained that the ultramodern facility was deliberately designed to provide a space where the elderly citizens in the state could enjoy the companionship of others, and interact with their peers.

"Today's gathering of our senior citizens is a physical manifestation of a promise kept. This is a centre where our senior citizens are encouraged to come and find that companionship. There is nothing that says that you must live your old age in isolation. And I think that that was the vision of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.

"The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has always maintained that the "E" in the ARISE Agenda includes a robust focus on Education and Social Welfare, a reflection of His Excellency’s belief that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, especially those who spent their youth building the Akwa Ibom we enjoy today," she said.

According to her, the centre aligns with the Renewed Hope Initiative of the Federal Government and the ARISE Agenda of the state government, which prioritises education and social welfare, emphasising that the institutionalisation of the initiative ensures that the elderly are not left behind in the state’s development efforts but remain central to government policies and programmes.

She described the Senior Citizens as “reservoirs of wisdom,” assuring them of their value to society, while encouraging them to make full use of the facility.

In her words; "Your prayers have sustained this state, and it is our turn to sustain you, even as we hope and pray that this centre becomes a place of laughter, health, and renewed strength for you all, whenever you visit. You are not meant to live in isolation. This centre is open to you at all times. Come here, interact, relax, and enjoy the environment created for your well-being."

“I urge our beneficiaries not to be in a hurry to leave this centre today. Even when we depart, please relax and enjoy the facilities provided for your relaxation and comfort,” she added.

The Wife of the Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Mrs Etiemana Umoh welcomed the First Lady Designate, Lady Helen Eno Obareki and other government officials to the ultra-modern facility.

Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Coordinator, ARISE Initiative for the Elderly, Mrs Mercy Eka, noted that the programme is committed to improving the welfare of senior citizens, ensuring they are valued, seen, and respected in society.

Mrs Eka, who highlighted that 12,000 elderly persons have benefited from the scheme, commended Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the needs of the elderly through the social investment initiative, describing it as a structured intervention programme, designed to provide support, including access to quality health insurance services.

In their goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Eno Ibanga and the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on the Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, Dr. Ita-anwan James, described as laudable, the holistic approach towards caring for the elderly, stating that Akwa Ibom State has set the pace in elderly care by being the first in the country to establish an Elderly Citizens Home.

They applauded Governor Umo Eno's compassion and sustained support for senior citizens, while urging the residents to remain supportive of the ARISE Agenda, noting that the administration remains deliberate and committed to improving the welfare of the elderly in the state.

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Edikan Ekwere, educated the elderly on how to properly register and access the healthcare services provided by the State governments Health Insurance Scheme, while the Chief Nursing Officer of the facility, Mrs. Theresa Okon, spoke on the dietary needs and overall wellbeing of the elderly, were she emphasised the importance of consuming fiber-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and essential vitamins to support digestion, muscle health and healthy ageing, also encouraging them on regular exercise, maintaining proper hygiene.

Speaking on behalf of the other beneficiaries, Obong Philip Obot appreciated Governor Umo Eno and Lady Helen Eno Obareki, for supporting, honouring and granting the elderly citizens in the state respect, noting that ageing is not a curse, but a stage of life that should be supported with love and care.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries, presentation of wheelchairs donated by women born in March to the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady for the centre during the march women’s prayer, as well as dancing competition by the senior citizens who received gifts from Lady Obareki.

The Elderly who were also thrilled by a performance from the Divine Children's Home cultural troupe, had earlier engaged their new found friends and acquaintances to the different games and recreational facilities provided at the centre.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
April 2, 2026.

GIFA HALF HOUR

16/05/2026

10/05/2026

08/05/2026

29/04/2026

25/04/2026

24/04/2026

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

11/04/2026

06/04/2026

02/04/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category