By | Utibe Udokang and Iniemem Nduese
As part of activities to commemorate the second anniversary of the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), Citywatch Newspaper has presented certificates to outstanding participants in its essay competition, organized to complement the initiative’s milestone in youth development and educational advancement.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, at the ARISE Showroom in Uyo, brought together students, education stakeholders, and supporters to reflect on GIFA’s impact over the past two years.
The essay topic, “As a consultant, propose and critically evaluate innovative strategies that the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) can adopt to enhance community engagement and skill development for sustainable impact,” attracted participants from more than 10 tertiary institutions across the state.
In her welcome address, the Editor-in-Chief of Citywatch Newspaper, Mrs. Annie Joseph, congratulated the top 30 participants for being outstanding among several entries. She noted that the intellectual competition was organized to celebrate GIFA at two while promoting healthy academic competition among youths in Akwa Ibom State.
Paying tribute to the founder of GIFA, Her Excellency, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, Mrs. Joseph also commended Lady Helen Obareki for her unwavering dedication to uplifting families, the less privileged, persons living with disabilities, children, and youths across the state.
Thanking her husband, Engr Ndiuwem Joseph for his support throughout the process, She emphasized that Citywatch Newspaper was privileged to partner with GIFA in celebrating its second anniversary. She added that certificates would be presented to the top 30 participants, while the 3 star prize winners would be awarded on Friday, February 20, 2026, during the GIFA anniversary celebration at Ibom Hall.
Providing an overview of the competition process, Dr. Tony Johnson revealed that 226 entries were received. He explained that a panel drawn from diverse fields including; history, law, communication arts, and environmental studies, carefully evaluated the submissions, ensuring fairness and guarding against inappropriate use of artificial intelligence.
In her remarks, the Press Secretary in the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Uduak Ekong, commended Citywatch Newspaper for what she described as a successful and impactful initiative.
While congratulating the prize winners and other participants, Mrs. Ekong cautioned young people against overreliance on artificial intelligence, advising them to use AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for creativity and critical thinking.
“If you want to be a writer, let AI be a guide; do not depend on it,” she advised, encouraging participants to volunteer on GIFA platforms to further develop their skills.
In a show of commitment to youth development, Mrs. Ekong sponsored three outstanding participants to attend leadership training at the next batch of the MORE Leadership Academy, while the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Emma Akpabio, announced a similar sponsorship for one of the top prize winners.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso, in his goodwill message, commended Citywatch Newspaper for organising the essay competition as a fitting tribute to GIFA’s second anniversary.
He lauded Lady Helen Obareki’s leadership in sustaining GIFA’s mission, noting that such initiatives will help preserve the legacy of late Pastor Patience Umo Eno for generations to come.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, thanked the Editor-in-Chief for her contributions to good governance and highlighted the importance of the gathering in shaping a promising future for Akwa Ibom State. He praised GIFA’s achievements over the past two years, noting its impactful social welfare interventions.
He further lauded Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda for driving transformation in the state and acknowledged Lady Helen Obareki’s role in sustaining GIFA’s vision, describing the initiative as a model not only within Akwa Ibom but across Nigeria.
Mr. Etuk also stressed the importance of civic responsibility, urging participants to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Special highlight of the event was the cutting of the anniversary cake, followed by the presentation of certificates to the top 30 contestants in recognition of their dedication and creativity.
The essay competition saw Bridget Dominic emerged as the first-place winner, Ventus Kingsley secured second place, and Magdalene Okon claimed third place.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the overall winner, Bridget Dominic Ekanem, expressed appreciation to GIFA, Citywatch Newspaper, and the supporting dignitaries for their sustained commitment to empowering youths in Akwa Ibom State.
