UYO
The coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom has held strategic engagement with a delegation from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) towards collaborative interventions targeted at improving the welfare and livelihoods of vulnerable persons across Akwa Ibom.
Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who received the delegation of NDDC management staff, led by the Akwa Ibom representative on the Governing Board of the Commission, Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, at Government House, Uyo, recently, said the growing interest from individuals, organisations and development partners to collaborate with the office and the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, serves as a strong indication that programmes, meticulously implemented, are making meaningful impact across the state.
Obareki decribed the NDDC’s willingness to partner the Office of the First Lady as “heartwarming,” adding that the Commission’s recognition of the work carried out by the office and GIFA, was encouraging, reassuring, and a source of motivation, expressing optimism that future engagements would yield impactful programmes capable of reaching more vulnerable residents.
She thanked the Commission for their donation of uLesson educational tablets, and reaffirmed her commitment to work with the NDDC and other strategic partners to advance sustainable interventions that support livelihoods and improve the quality of life of the people.
The coordinator attributed the successes recorded by her Office to the unwavering support of the State government, particularly Governor Umo Eno whom, she said, has provided an enabling environment for the office to effectively complement the administration’s people-centred programmes, explaining that the activities of her office are driven by a commitment to sustain the vision and legacy of the First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, through the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), which focuses on improving the lives of the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.
“Our doors are always open, and this certainly will not be our last conversation. We look forward to many collaborations with the NDDC as we continue to make meaningful impact in the lives of the most vulnerable,” Obareki said.
Earlier, Akwa Ibom State representative on the Governing Board of the NDDC, Apostle AbasiAndikan Nkono, commended Lady Obareki for her dedication and commitment to initiatives that continue to improve the lives of the people, explaining that the visit was driven by the Commission’s desire to collaborate with the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), and the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom to further expand the reach of developmental programmes across the State.
Nkono, who expressed delight that the activities and programmes of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom and GIFA aligns with the vision and mandate of the NDDC, described the proposed partnership as timely and beneficial to the people of Akwa Ibom, considering the fact that the NDDC has continued to implement impactful programmes across the nine Niger Delta states, with focus on human capital development, environmental restoration, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, education, and other people-centred interventions.
He highlighted some of the Commission’s educational interventions to include the NDDC foreign postgraduate scholarship scheme, through which beneficiaries receive scholarships worth 40,000 US Dollars, as well as the expansion of its local scholarship programme with grants of up to N5 million for eligible scholars.
Present at the courtesy call were aides to the governor attached to the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom.
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