A/Ibom Ag First Lady empowers inmates at Correctional Facility, marks GIFA anniversary
By Princess Don, Uyo.
Inmates at the Uyo Maximum Correctional Facility received a strong message of hope and resilience during a visit by Lady Helen Obareki, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State.
The visit took place as part of activities to honor the first anniversary of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized communities.
Lady Obareki, accompanied by female stakeholders, aides to the governor, and her office staff, donated essential supplies, including food, toiletries, cash, and other provisions, to the 1,981 inmates currently housed at the facility.
Addressing the inmates, she encouraged them to remain hopeful and reminded them that being incarcerated did not mean their future was over. “You are not forgotten. Even though you are behind bars, you can still make meaningful contributions to society in the future,” she stated.
Her words of encouragement were met with gratitude from the inmates, who expressed their appreciation with musical performances. Lady Obareki reassured them that the government would continue to support their reintegration into society, promising to convey their needs to Governor Umo Eno.
The Assistant Comptroller of Corrections, Ezekiel Inyang, extended his gratitude to Lady Obareki for her visit, emphasizing that it marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership between the correctional facility and the Office of the First Lady.
He also took the opportunity to maintain that the challenges facing the facility include inadequate clean water, lack of utility vehicles, and unreliable power supply.
Inyang appealed for assistance in these areas, hoping that the First Lady could help bring attention to these issues.
Frank Okonkwo, Comptroller of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, commended Lady Obareki for her generosity, recognizing her visit as a reflection of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to uplifting the people of Akwa Ibom State.
He expressed hope that the Golden Initiative For All would continue to have a lasting positive impact beyond the governor’s tenure.
