Grace Udeme Emmanuel, a 22-year-old mother of four who was reported to be feeding her children with chicken feed at a poultry farm in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, has received a significant lifeline that is set to transform her life and that of her children. This intervention comes after her plight was highlighted on social media, prompting the attention of the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Upon learning of Grace’s dire situation, Pastor Patience Umo Eno took swift action, announcing an initial financial aid of N500,000 to assist Grace. The story, which was brought to light by the daughter of the poultry farm owner where Grace worked, sparked widespread sympathy and led to a broader intervention to lift Grace out of poverty.
Uduak Ekong, Media Aide to the Governor’s Wife, provided an update on the ongoing efforts to support Grace and her children. According to Ekong, the initiative goes beyond immediate financial assistance; there are plans to help Grace acquire vocational skills, start her own business, and continue her education, which she had to abandon after becoming pregnant at 16.
Grace’s situation caught the attention of many due to the shocking revelation that she resorted to feeding her children chicken feed. After becoming pregnant at 16 and dropping out of school in SS1, she was sent away from her home and forced to live with the father of her children. Tragically, the man was killed after being caught stealing sweet potatoes, leaving Grace alone to care for her four children—aged one to four.
Struggling to make ends meet, Grace’s situation became increasingly desperate until her story was shared on Instagram. The post led to an outpouring of support, with contributions coming from various donors. Mrs. Eno directed all donations to the Instagram user who initially posted Grace’s story, leading to an additional N2,000,000 being raised to support her.
With these funds and ongoing support, Grace and her children have been settled into a new home, and plans are in motion to secure a brighter future for them. The intervention includes setting Grace up in a business, helping her gain valuable skills, and providing her with the opportunity to resume her education.
This story of resilience and community support highlights the impact of collective efforts to change lives and underscores the importance of humanitarian outreach in addressing poverty and hardship.
