ESIT EKET COMMUNITY GETS SOLAR-POWERED WATER FACILITY, COMMISSIONED BY LADY HELEN OBAREKI

In a bid to strengthen Governor Umo Eno’s rural development initiatives, one of the core components of the ARISE Agenda, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has inaugurated a solar-powered water facility in Uquo, the Esit Eket Local Government Area headquarters.

The “Water-of-Life” project was executed under the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, a humanitarian platform designed to address the pressing needs of women, children, vulnerable populations and families in rural communities and to ensure inclusive development across the state.

Speaking on behalf of Lady Helen Eno Obareki at the inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Selinah Ukpatu, urged residents of Uquo to take responsibility for the management of the facility, noting that the solar-powered system is expected to provide the community with a steady supply of clean and safe water for decades.

“To the people of Uquo, this solar-powered facility is your collective asset. Take ownership and diligently ensure that every drop of this precious resource is utilised responsibly,”

“Water is life, and today, life flourishes and flows freely and sustainably in Uquo, ensuring good health, and various opportunities for the people of Uquo, ” she stated.

Lady Obareki described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to improve the well-being of underserved communities, adding that the project marks another milestone in promoting healthy living and creating new opportunities for the people, while she praised her team for their dedication to the successful and timely completion of the project.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of Esit Eket Local Government Council, Hon Uduak Ikot, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Eddy Etangnkanga, expressed appreciation to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki for their commitment to rural development through the execution of projects that positively impact the lives of people in rural areas. Hon Ikot pledged ongoing collaboration with the state government during the election year to ensure the success of its ARISE Agenda.

The Special Assistant to the Governor on General Duties and the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, stated that GIFA is dedicated to providing solutions that will significantly improve the lives of families as outlined in the organisation’s mandate.

Goodwill messages were presented by various community leaders, including the Clan Head of Ekid Offiong, HRM Ete-udo Ikot; the President of Esit Eket Women Stakeholders, Obongawan Grace Ikot; and the Chairman of Esit Eket Market Women Association, Mrs Ekaette Simon, who expressed gratitude to GIFA for the Water-of-Life project which has addressed the needs of the women in the nearby market and the surrounding community, while they appealed for additional water intervention projects for other communities in need.

The event featured performances from the Ekemini Cultural Troupe and Mbaba Esit Ekid, as well as an overview of the project presented by the technical officer of GIFA, Mr James Ekanem who detailed that the 14,000 litres water project complies with the specifications of the Akwa Ibom State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (AK-RUWASA).

The commissioning ceremony was attended by a delegation from the Office of the First Lady, which included the wife of member representing Etinan State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Nelly Ekpo-Ufot; the wife of the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, Mrs Esther Koko Essien; and the wife of the Chairman of Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Council, Mrs Glory Inyang, along with key officers of Esit Eket Local Government Council, traditional leaders, Women groups and youths representatives.

Media Unit
Office of the First Lady, AKS
November 18, 2025.