By Stella Okoh-Esene
In a bid to promote access to clean and safe water supply in rural communities, the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, has provided potable water for the people of Ikot Obong Edong community in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Inaugurating the Water-of-Life Project on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of GIFA and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki stated that for durability, ease of usage and sustainability, the borehole is solar powered to provide constant water supply as well as lessen the cost of pumping.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Inibehe Etukudo, Lady Obareki said that with the strategic location of the project, the water supply will serve the school and its environs.
While commending the cooperation of the community during the execution of the project, she urged leaders of the community to put measures in place to ensure that the facility is not vandalised.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the wife of the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Mrs Affiong Nkom, applauded Lady Obareki for rescusitating the hitherto abandoned water project, and noted that it has eradicated the burden of access to clean water supply in the community, and appealed that the gesture be extended to other wards in the Local Government Area.
Also speaking, Pastor Joseph Daniel, the Chief Operating Officer of NigerVolt Limited said the use of Solar Energy to power the water project, was a reflection of the company’s unwavering commitment to enhancing GIFA’s goal of transforming family lives in the State.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Village Head of Ikot Obong Edong, Chief Elijah Udo Ituen and a member of the community, Madam Mbuotidem Udoma, appreciated GIFA for providing them with potable water and pledged, on behalf of the community, to secure the project.
Highpoint of the event was the inauguration and official handing over of the project to the Village Head of Ikot Obong Edong community.