In a bid to advance inclusion, enforce rights, and provide support for their special needs, the Pastor Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, has played host to the Community of Persons With Disabilities, PWD, in the state.
The programme which took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, with the theme: "Lean on Me," is part of activities to mark the forthcoming Second Anniversary of GIFA.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman Board of Trustees of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, said the event was designed to ensure that PWDs are not left behind in the scheme of activities, alluding to the fact that they occupy a thematic area in GIFA's line of programmes.
Lady Obareki who described hosting representatives of the six clusters of People with Disabilities as part of her mother's vision for the community coming alive, stated that it was a blessing for her to be able to stand in the gap to ensure that the GIFA legacy is kept alive.
" When my mother launched GIFA two years ago, it was to ensure that the most vulnerable among us, including People with Disabilities, are not left behind. Today, we reaffirm that this light will never go dim, as that simple seed of compassion planted by my mother, has grown into a massive canopy of hope for the people of Akwa Ibom. My mother's dream is still alive. For me it's a blessing to be able to carry on my mother's legacy," the highly emotional Lady Obareki quipped.
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, who described the programme as a social contract with the community to help them navigate through various challenges that may militate against them, stated that two of the GIFA Icon award categories in the planned empowerment of ten small businesses, during the second anniversary celebration, were reserved for PWD’s, encouraging them to engage in the selection process on the GIFA facebook page.
“This year, we are empowering 10 small business owners as GIFA ICONs, across 10 different categories with 2 slots for People With Disabilities, a solid testament of our commitment to you. So go online now to the GIFA Facebook page and nominate yourself, loved one, family members as we institutionalize kindness so that no person with a disability in Akwa Ibom ever feels like an afterthought.
“I’d like you to know that GIFA is rooting for you. We don’t want you to just survive, we want you to thrive. We want to see your businesses grow, your skills sharpen, and your voices grow louder in our communities. When you succeed, GIFA succeeds.” She added.
The GIFA Team Lead, Pastor Anne Abraham said the "Lean on Me Project" a thematic area of GIFA, is targeted at reaching out to PWDs in the state, show them compassion and foster their rights and inclusivity.
In a motivational session, the Guest Speaker Chris Vic spoke on the topic "Extra Ability", encouraged the people with special needs to look beyond their disabilities, believe in themselves, breakout of their comfort zone, look inwards and showcase that special gift God has placed in them.
He thereafter thrilled the audience with his sonorous singing skills, rendering the legendary Michael Jackson's "Lean on Me" and "Obanigwe" by GUC.
Goodwill messages were received from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Silas, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Obong Prince Ikim, the Director for Women of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative, Dr Glory Edet and Dr NdifrekeAbasi Etim of ImaBridge Africa, who provided financial support, bags of 25kg rice and walking aids, applauded GIFA for believing in the potentials of PWD and for creating an environment of support for them to thrive.
An Aide to the Governor on PWD, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, who reeled out the enormous benefits the community has enjoyed in the golden era including political inclusion, trainings, educational intervention, free medical services under the health insurance scheme and other intervention programmes, praised Governor Umo Eno and Lady Helen Eno Obareki for championing the cause of the vulnerable especially the community of PWD, praying for God's continuous blessings in the build up the Governor's second term.
The event which had in attendance, wife of the former military Governor Mrs Funmi Nkanga, members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, wife of the APC State Chairman, Chairmen of Local Government Councils, female stakeholders and Development Partners, featured dance, games and comedy sessions to spice up the event.
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