We are delighted to share with you the joyous occasion of our 22nd anniversary at ECEWS, where we come together to honor and express our gratitude to God for His unwavering faithfulness. This remarkable celebration brought together esteemed dignitaries from around the world, including the United States Government (USG), the United States Centre for Disease Control (US CDC), USAID, the United Nations, and the Government of Nigeria, alongside our valued partners, CEOs, and dedicated staff. At our anniversary luncheon, held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Abuja, we witnessed a rare display of honor and thanksgiving. Many dignitaries raised their hands in praise, some sang along, and others swayed to the melodious rhythm of 'OMMEMA,' a captivating song by the acclaimed gospel artist Judikay

This milestone is a testament to God's faithfulness and signifies 22 years of impactful work in vulnerable communities. On Monday, June 19, 2023, we commemorated over two decades of empowering marginalized individuals and communities, positively impacting the lives of over 300,000 people. Throughout our journey, we have upheld principles of integrity, accountability, and transparency, recognizing the importance of stewardship to our stakeholders, donors, and beneficiaries. These achievements are undoubtedly a result of God's steadfast guidance. During the anniversary luncheon, Mr. Andy Eyo, our Chief Executive Officer, proudly shared that ECEWS has been instrumental in providing care to over 307,545 individuals across nine states in Nigeria, with an annual budget of $45,000. This places us at the forefront of HIV project implementation in Nigeria. He also highlighted that ECEWS is a founding member of the Nigeria Implementation Science Alliance (NISA) and boasts a dedicated team of over 500 staff members and 3,800 ad hoc staff. Mr. Eyo expressed our commitment to ongoing collaboration with the Government of Nigeria and our determination to make a lasting impact throughout the African continent.

In her address, Prof. Enoabasi Urua, our newly appointed Board Chair, shared the inspiring story of ECEWS. It all began 22 years ago in Akwa Ibom State, where a small group of friends embarked on a mission to combat Examination Malpractice, a pressing issue in Nigeria's educational system. Over time, ECEWS expanded its focus to include extended classes taught by exceptional home teachers and free educational counseling workshops in secondary schools, uplifting underprivileged children. Prof. Urua highlighted our collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society on a project centered around an HIV helpline and an essay competition titled "What I Know About HIV/AIDS." This collaboration was born out of the urgent need to address the denial, isolation, and despair experienced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS. These initiatives reaffirmed our commitment to providing comprehensive care to disadvantaged populations, especially those most vulnerable to the HIV epidemic. For the past 22 years, we have been blessed with numerous funding opportunities that have allowed us to expand our vision and positively impact over a million lives through healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. We attribute our success to the exceptional dedication of our staff, consultants, and volunteers, who have continually enhanced their skills and contributed to our growth as a learning organization. This unwavering support has enabled us to deliver high-quality services to our beneficiaries and stakeholders. Helen Mary, Office Director from the Department of Defense, commended ECEWS for its global perspective and local action. She praised our commitment to the motto of "each one, teach one," highlighting our intentional efforts to mentor and empower other organizations. Dr. Racheal Goldstein, Director of the Office of HIV/AIDS and TB at USAID, expressed appreciation for our collaborative approach and our willingness to undergo rigorous evaluations to identify areas of growth.

Since our establishment in February 2001, ECEWS has evolved into a leading indigenous nonprofit organization in Nigeria. We are recognized as a charity in the State of Texas and a key partner of USAID and the CDC in Nigeria. As a sub-recipient of GF HIV funds, we have collaborated with esteemed organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank, NASCSP, the Red Cross, and the Oando Foundation. Our commitment to integrity and accountability remains steadfast as we continue to serve our stakeholders, donors, and beneficiaries. The anniversary celebration was filled with vibrant cultural displays, captivating dance performances, and a soul-stirring musical performance by the talented Ekemini children band. The highlight of the event was the cutting of the ECEWS 22nd anniversary cake, which symbolized our deep gratitude and overflowing thanksgiving to God for His unwavering faithfulness throughout these 22 remarkable years.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and expressing our heartfelt appreciation to God. Together, let us continue to impact lives, transform communities, and uphold the values that have guided us on this incredible journey.