Ikot Abasi Gets Lifeline As GIFA Delivers Solar-Powered Water Facility
Safe Water Initiative Reaches Ikot Abasi
THE Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) has commissioned its 14th solar-powered Water of Life Project in Ikot Aba, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, extending access to safe and potable water to another rural community in Akwa Ibom State.
The project forms part of GIFA’s ongoing effort to improve public health, environmental sanitation and the quality of life of residents through sustainable water interventions.
Commitment to Rural Development
Chairman of the GIFA Board of Trustees, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that more communities gain access to clean drinking water.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, she described the project as a practical solution to years of inadequate water supply in Ikot Aba.
She noted that residents had depended on an old community well for decades but now have access to a modern solar-powered water facility.
Lady Obareki commended the Deaconess Sarah Joseph Inwang Foundation and former National Assembly member, Dr. Esio Okwong Udo, for fulfilling their pledge to deliver the project after GIFA’s second anniversary celebration in February 2026.
Governor Backed Statewide Expansion
The GIFA Board Chairman also acknowledged Governor Umo Eno for supporting the initiative and sustaining the vision established by the organisation’s founder, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
She disclosed that the governor recently directed the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and AK-RUWATSAN to collaborate with GIFA in extending the Water of Life Project to all 369 political wards across Akwa Ibom State.
According to her, the partnership represents a major step towards expanding access to safe drinking water across the state.
Community Ownership Encouraged
Lady Obareki urged community leaders, women and youths to protect the new facility against vandalism and ensure proper maintenance.
She stressed that community ownership remains essential to preserving the project for future generations.
Residents Welcome Intervention
Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ime Essien, represented by his wife, Dr. Idara Essien, described the project as a significant intervention that would improve public health, sanitation and residents’ overall wellbeing.
Project partners, including Dr. Esio Okwong Udo and Dr. Inwang Etim, reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at improving living conditions in rural communities.
Women Receive Empowerment Support
The event also featured the presentation of empowerment packages to 25 women drawn from the host community.
The beneficiaries received support from the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare alongside other female government officials and stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Ime Udoto expressed appreciation to GIFA and its partners for both the water project and the empowerment initiative.
She prayed for the continued growth and success of the organisation.
The Water of Life Project remains one of GIFA’s flagship programmes designed to improve access to clean water while promoting healthier and more sustainable rural communities across Akwa Ibom State.
