From GIFA to Giver’s Heart
By Anietie Usen
The impact of a two-year-old institution is often barely perceptible. However, the non-governmental organisation known by its acronym, Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), has defied this convention. In just 24 months, GIFA has carved an indelible mark in the social intervention space—one that stands tall not only in Akwa Ibom State but arguably across Nigeria. We stand to be corrected.
It is rare in this part of the world to witness an organisation evolve from conception to profound, measurable impact with such deliberate velocity. GIFA has done just that, outpacing and outclassing many of its peers within an extraordinarily short period.
Today, February 20, 2026, as GIFA marks two years of restoring hope, dignity, and care to vulnerable women, children, and persons living with disabilities, we at Inside the Hilltop consider it a duty to shine a spotlight on this exceptional initiative whose footprint continues to expand across communities.
This anniversary is not merely a celebration of time; it is a reflection on impact. It is the story of over 53,000 lives transformed—53,987 women, children, and persons with disabilities whose realities have been tangibly improved through deliberate acts of compassion and service.
The vision of GIFA’s founder, Patience Umo Eno, was simple yet profound. Born from a lifelong culture of giving, it sought to alleviate misery and bridge the widening gap faced by society’s most vulnerable. Two years on, that vision has translated into measurable outcomes, restoring dignity and rekindling hope where it had long faded.
To commemorate this milestone, Inside the Hilltop presents a 16-page glossy, reader-friendly Special Edition highlighting the pillars of GIFA’s achievements—just as we would for any government or non-government institution that distinguishes itself through excellence and impact.
GIFA’s success affirms a timeless truth: when purpose meets passion, barriers collapse. Beyond statistics and milestones lies a deeper triumph—the reawakening of hope and the reaffirmation of human dignity.
We salute the leadership of GIFA, its partners, and volunteers, with special recognition to Helen Eno Obareki, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, and her father, His Excellency Umo Eno, for their unwavering support and commitment to uplifting the underprivileged in Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
Here’s to celebrating two remarkable years of a Giver’s Heart, and to anticipating even greater acts of compassion and service in the years ahead.
Happy 2nd Anniversary to GIFA.