Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo inaugurating the water project on behalf of the First Lady Designate while others look on.
By Dianabasi Effiong
It was excitement galore in Ikot Obong Edong, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State as the First Lady Designate Inaugurated Water-of-Life Project.
The Water-of-Life Project was inaugurated on July 31 by Lady Obareki, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), and Coordinator, Office of the First Lady to promote access to a clean and safe water supply for Ikot Obong Edong community.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration and official handing over of the project to the Village Head of Ikot Obong Edong community, Chief Elijah Udo Ituen, that threw the entire community into a state of rhapsody.
Young boys and girls immediately gathered to fetch clean water that has eluded the community for years.
Madam Mbuotidem Udoma, a member of the community prayed for the First Lady Designate saying, “God will bless you abundantly for we have been suffering for a long time without good water. In most cases our children trek far distance just to get water. We are grateful to the First Lady Designate “.
Similarly, Village Head of Ikot Obong Edong, appreciated GIFA for providing them with potable water and pledged, on behalf of the community, to secure the project.
While handing over the water project to the community, Lady Obareki said that, for durability, ease of usage, and sustainability, the borehole was solar-powered to ensure a constant water supply as well as lessen the cost of pumping.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inibehe Etukudo, Lady Obareki said that with the strategic location of the project, the water supply would serve the school and its environs.
She also commended the cooperation of the community during the execution of the project and therefore, urged the community leaders to put measures in place to prevent the vandalisation of the facility.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the wife of the Chairman, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Mrs Affiong Nkom, applauded Lady Obareki for resuscitating the hitherto abandoned water project.
According to her, the project has eradicated the burden of access to clean water supply in the community,.
She also said that the gesture should be extended to other wards in the Local Government Area.
Equally speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of NigerVolt Limited, Pastor Joseph Daniel, 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.
