UYO-The first cohort of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative For All, GIFA-Tech Women Initiative (GIFA-TWI), a 12-week fully funded digital skills development programme for 250 women has commenced, with a charge to participants to utilise the opportunity as a pathway to their economic independence.
Addressing some of the participants who gathered at the ARISE ICT Hub, Uyo, for the hybrid ceremony which included a virtual audience, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman, Board of Trustees of GIFA, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, stressed that empowerment goes beyond the immediate financial resources available to an individual.
Represented by the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Focal Person in the state, Mrs Emem Orok, Lady Obareki noted that access to skills, opportunities, relationships and other resources could significantly expand a person’s earning capacity.
Using the earning potentials of digital skills as an example, she challenged the women to consider what they could earn from the global market while living and working from any part of Akwa Ibom, encouraging them to look beyond their immediate environments in recognising the vast global digital economy that their acquired skills would access.
The GIFA chairman, said women who possess valuable skills and can earn an income are better positioned to make independent decisions about their lives, urging the beneficiaries to take the 12-week training seriously, by demonstrating commitment in class attendance, completing assigned tasks and actively engage with the training.
Obareki also encouraged them to identify their individual strengths and interests within the technology space instead of simply following trends, noting that creativity and passion could be converted into viable economic opportunities.
“A door has been opened through the Governor and the office of the First Lady. It is your responsibility to walk through that door and utilise the opportunities available,” she added.
Earlier, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, explained that the Tech Women Initiative falls under GIFA’s ‘Women Empowerment’ thematic area, advising the participants to treasure the opportunity and remain committed throughout the training, expressing the hope of seeing them at their graduation.
In his welcome address, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mosaic Human Capital Innovations, Mr Aniekan Ani-Ezekiel, disclosed that close to 3,000 applications were received for the programme, with 250 selected, reflecting the growing interest among Akwa Ibom women in acquiring technology skills and participating in the digital economy.
He described women as a critical force in national development and said the programme was designed around the three major tracks of Entrepreneurship, 2D/3D Animation, and Executive and Professional Support.
Ani-Ezekiel explained that the initiative was built on a tripod of skills, jobs and spaces, announcing that the highest-performing participants would be connected to organisations for mentoring, further opportunities and exposure to the workplace.
He encouraged the participants to approach the 12-weeks programme with commitment, dedication and courage, stressing that while the journey might be demanding, those who remained committed could emerge as pioneers capable of opening opportunities for others.
An overview of the Training Programme was taken by IkankeAbasi Umana, who said the programme was designed to equip 250 women with practical, market-relevant skills. She explained that the Entrepreneurship track would train 100 women in business development and business model creation; the Animation track would equip another 100 women with practical graphics and motion skills; while 50 women would participate in the Executive Assistance track, focusing on practical and professional skills required to effectively support businesses and organisations.
She noted that the programme was aligned with key development objectives including quality education, gender equality, decent work and innovation, adding that top-performing participants would proceed to dedicated mentorship opportunities with professionals in their respective fields.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Miss Adeoye, who appreciated GIFA and the programme partners for the opportunity, described the fully funded training as a valuable opportunity to acquire skills that would support her future career and financial independence.
The GIFA-Tech Women Initiative is part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in the digital economy and create sustainable pathways for Akwa Ibom women to acquire skills, access employment opportunities and build global businesses.
Beyond the 12-week training, Obareki has provided opportunities for the top three participants in each of the tracks to access further upskilling and relevant tools to support their continued growth beyond the programme.
GIFA – TWI is a fall out of the maiden ‘GIFA Women in Tech Breakfast Roundtable’ on November 5, 2025, hosted by Lady Obareki for aspiring female innovators and tech leaders where the collaboration between GIFA, Mosaic and Afrilabs, was announced.