…as Council Chairman, Wife, Paramount Ruler Laud GIFA for Continuing the Visionary Work of the Late Patience Eno
…Ongoing Road Projects in Itu Offer Much-Needed Relief —Hon. Ubong Nkutt Affirms
The much-anticipated Wheels of Hope, Health program, under Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) Program, spearheaded by the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, was officially launched in Itu Local Government Area on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
This event, held at the Itu Council Secretariat, Mbak Itam, marked a significant milestone in the provision of free medical care to communities across Itu and the eight other local government areas within the Uyo Senatorial District, namely: Uyo, Uruan, Etinan, Ibiono Ibom, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, and Nsit Atai.
The programme, aimed at improving the health and well-being of rural communities, drew an overwhelming crowd of beneficiaries from all the nine local government areas, making up Uyo Senatorial District.
They gathered at Itu Council Secretariat, where a team of medical professionals, carefully assembled by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki, provided much-needed medical services.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Ubong Nkutt, welcomed the delegation from the Office of the First Lady and the team from the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), acknowledging the unwavering support of Governor Umo Bassey Eno.
He praised the Governor for enabling the Office of the First Lady, coordinated by Mrs. Helen Obareki, to continue the impactful work initiated by the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno through GIFA.
Hon. Nkutt assured the gathering that Itu Local Government, under his watch, will remain a steadfast partner of both the Office of the First Lady and GIFA in their various life-changing programmes. He also highlighted the ongoing infrastructure development in the area, specifically the construction of six major roads that are expected to bring lasting relief to Itu residents.
“I commend His Excellency, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, for ensuring the smooth operation of the Office of the First Lady and for making GIFA’s legacy to thrive. The Governor made a promise to prioritize Itu upon his election, and today, we are witnessing that promise fulfilled. We appreciate his commitment to the road projects in Itu, including the ongoing development of critical infrastructure like the Ikot Ebom Itam road, which is being handled by Niger-Pet. The road features asphalt drains and other essential roadworks. Additionally, improvements are underway at the Etaha Itam market, which will include internal road networks and modern sanitation facilities.”
Wife of the Council Chairman, Hon. Idongesit Nkutt, expressed her joy at the selection of Itu as the launch site for the Wheels of Hope programme in Uyo Senatorial District. She also lauded Mrs. Obareki for her commitment to upholding the cherished legacy of her late mother by keeping GIFA’s noble mission alive.
In his message, HRM Edidem Dr. Edet Akpan Inyang, the Paramount Ruler of ITU, praised the Wheels of Hope initiative as a timely and commendable programme that will go a long way in alleviating the health challenges faced by the rural populace. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering community well-being.
Mrs. Funmi Idongesit Nkanga, representing Mrs. Obareki, addressed the gathering on behalf of the Office of the First Lady. She was joined by other dignitaries, including the Wife of the State Chairman of PDP, Mrs. Unyime Akpan, the Chairman of Itu, and the wives of other Local Government Chairmen in the Uyo Senatorial District.
In her speech, Mrs. Nkanga explained the vision behind the Wheels of Hope programme, underscoring its goal of ensuring a healthier and more prosperous rural population. Pastor Anne Abraham, Special Assistant to the Governor, also praised Mrs. Obareki for carrying on the legacy of her late mother, Pastor Patience Eno, and stressed the vital connection between health and prosperity, reminding all that “health is wealth.”
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages from various stakeholders, including the President of WALGON and the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). The event not only marked the official launch of the Wheels of Hope programme in Itu, but also set the stage for continued collaboration aimed at bringing much-needed relief to the residents of Uyo Senatorial District.
Media Unit,
Office of the Executive Chairman, ITU Local Government Council
