The Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), a pet project of the Office of the Akwa Ibom State First Lady, has rounded off its 2025 Back-to-School Initiative with a grand closing event at Upenekang, headquarters of Ibeno Local Government Area, where over 2,000 students benefited from educational support materials across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The event, held under GIFA’s Enhancing Literacy and Learning thematic area, brought together students from Ibeno Grammar School and several private schools, as well as community leaders and state officials.
Welcoming the delegation from the Office of the First Lady, Ibeno Council Chairman, Hon. Glory Ekah Effiong, expressed appreciation to Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of GIFA’s Board of Trustees, for choosing Ibeno as host for the Eket Senatorial District edition.
Represented by Hon. Selina Ukpatu, Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo in the State House of Assembly, Lady Obareki said the Back-to-School Initiative was designed to complement the state government’s free and compulsory education policy by supporting indigent pupils with essential learning materials.
She emphasized that education remains the foundation of development, assuring that GIFA will continue to bridge existing gaps hindering access to quality learning in rural areas.
“Education is your key to success. Believe in yourself, study hard, and never give up on your dreams. These school supplies represent a fresh start and renewed opportunity to excel,” she encouraged the students.
The event featured cultural performances by pupils, goodwill messages from council officials, and the distribution of school bags, books, mathematical sets, and stationery to over 500 pupils.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included the wives of state legislators and commissioners, as well as council executives and community stakeholders.
