Thursday May 14, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
The Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, inaugurated and handed over the Pastor Patience Umo Eno Compassionate Home, a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow, to Mrs. Mandu Okon Ekpang in Ikot Edebe community, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
The compassionate home, built by the International Director of Research and Documentation, ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Elder Iniobong Obot, was donated to the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) for presentation to the beneficiary, a widow and grassroots supporter of Governor Umo Eno, Mrs. Ekpang, popularly known as Mma Nkanika,, who previously lived with her children in a dilapidated mud house.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Lady Helen Obareki expressed deep appreciation to Elder Obot for his humanitarian gesture in immortalising the memory of her mother, the First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
The Coordinator said projects associated with the departed First Lady’s legacy hold a special place in her heart, describing the compassionate home as a touching reflection of Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s life of empathy, compassion, as well as love and care for the elderly and vulnerable.
Lady Helen who described the compassionate home project as “empathy in action”, commended Elder Obot and his family for what she described as ‘an extraordinary act of kindness and generosity towards humanity’.
“This home stands as a living tribute to my mother, who was also the mother of our dear state, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno. Her life was that of compassion, love and empathy, especially for the elderly and vulnerable,” she stated.
Lady Helen described the provision of the compassionate home at Ikot Edebe, as a practical replication of the ARISE Agenda of the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, whose administration remains committed to improving the welfare of citizens, particularly at the grassroots.
According to her, the Governor, through the ministry of humanitarian affairs and other social welfare channels, continues to implement programmes aimed at ensuring that vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, are not neglected, reiterating the commitment of GIFA to enhancing family lives.
“Let me use this opportunity to emphasize and reaffirm that the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, (GIFA), is still in the business of enhancing family lives. Our thematic areas are not just boxes to tick; they are promises we intend to keep. Whether it is healthcare for mothers, education for our children and youth, or, as we see today, shelter for our elderly citizens, GIFA remains a steadfast bridge of hope. We will not rest but will continue to
work and implement initiatives that improves the livelihood of every
household across the 31 Local Government Areas,” she said.
The Coordinator called on stakeholders, private sector partners and well-meaning individuals to emulate Elder Obot by supporting humanitarian initiatives capable of transforming lives in communities, across the state.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Council, Mr. Anthony Nyong, commended the donor for the kind gesture, noting that the project has created an opportunity for others to learn and emulate such acts of generosity, adding that more impactful projects would be initiated across Nsit Atai.
Presenting an overview of the project, the donor, Elder Ini Obot, stated that interpreting and implementing the vision of Governor Umo Eno at the grassroots level remains his priority, appreciating the Governor for his compassionate vision towards the elderly and vulnerable groups in the state.
According to him, the building is a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow with a parlour and dining area, explaining that the gesture was borne out of the need to reward individuals who have laboured and remained committed to the party over the years and to to immortalise the memory of Pastor Patience Umo Eno in Ikot Edebe.
The beneficiary, Madam Mandu Okon Ekpang, recounted her previous living condition, saying she had practically lived outside, exposed to both the scorching sun and rain, while expressing gratitude for becoming the proud owner of a beautiful new home.
In her remarks, Pastor Anne Abraham, Team Lead of GIFA, expressed appreciation to Lady Helen Obareki for the implementation of the eight thematic areas of GIFA and her commitment to ensuring that every Akwa Ibomite benefits from the initiative.
She noted that the administration of Pastor Umo Eno has made deliberate efforts to cater for the welfare of elderly citizens, referencing the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre in Ikono as a testament to that commitment.
The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, commended the Governor for his commitment to the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, stating that out of the 500 homes promised by the administration, 438 have already been completed, with more still underway. She thanked the Governor for the tremendous support that Nsit Atai people have received from the present administration.
Others who spoke, including the Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Mark Esset; MC Akpan; and Eteidung Effiong Akpan, commended Governor Umo Eno for his compassion and commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens through the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative. They described the project as life-transforming and a clear demonstration of government presence in Nsit Atai.
They also paid tributes to the First Lady and founder of GIFA, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, while appreciating the First Lady Designate and Elder Iniobong Obot for sustaining the vision through their support for the less privileged.
Rt. Hon Mark Esset also announced the donation of a motorised water borehole to serve the beneficiary’s compound and neighbouring households.
Among those who accompanied the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady to the event, were the Member representing Uruan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Itoro Etim; the President of WALGON in the State, Mrs Akaninyene Udo, the wife of the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Grace Umoh and the Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Dr Elsie Esara.
