247 News in Naija

24/04/2025

PEOPLE CENTRIC GOVERNANCE: A'IBOM STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM GOV UMO ENO's HUMANITARIAN DISPOSITION
..as Humanitarian commissioner empowers vulnerable students, others in commemoration of Governor's birthday

In a heartwarming display of humane governance, Akwa Ibom State Governor Governor Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has once again demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.

In commemoration of his 61st birthday on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, under the leadership of Honorable Commissioner Princess Emem Ibanga FCIPA, launched a project to support indigent final-year students across various tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State.

The initiative, which is a testament to the Governor's people-centric governance ideology, aims to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their academic goals. Through a meticulous selection process, students from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), and the School of Nursing were identified and assisted.

The beneficiary departments include Chemistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Microbiology, Human Kinetics, Health Education, and Political Science.

Notably, the project also extended to a student from the Persons Living with Disabilities sector, underscoring the government's commitment to inclusivity and the Governor's vision for a society that is inclusive and supportive of all its members. This gesture is a shining example of the Governor's humanitarian governance style, which prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable and promotes social development.

The project support is designed to aid the educational advancement of these students, in line with the Governor's humanitarian disposition

In her remarks, Princess Ibanga said the initiative was launched to mark the Governor's birthday. She highlighted that the project further serves as a fitting tribute to the Governor's leadership style, which is characterized by empathy, compassion, and a deep commitment to the welfare of his people.

In her words, the Governor has built over 200 Arise Compassionate Homes, and they are not mere structures—they are sanctuaries of restored hope.The Bulk Purchase Agency, which puts food on the tables of the most vulnerable, is a deliberate resistance to hunger—a statement that in Akwa Ibom, no one shall be forgotten, and no one shall be left behind.Governor Eno’s humanitarian vision is deeply systemic".

“ He empowers women not with pity, but with enterprise tools. He supports youths not with slogans, but with structured empowerment rooted in needs assessments. He cares for the elderly with foresight, creating homes of dignity like the ARISE Elderly People’s Home.His healthcare and education interventions especially the Arise Model Primary Health Centres and Schools cut across all Local Government Areas , a testament to his understanding that true humanitarianism is not episodic but structural”.

“Today, we do not just celebrate a Governor. We celebrate a man who shows us that compassion is not weakness but strategic strength. A man who makes it clear that humanitarian development is not a footnote in governance but the headline”.

Beneficiaries of the project have expressed their gratitude to the Governor and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for the support, which they say will go a long way in helping them achieve their academic goals.

Governor Umo Eno’s ideals in humanitarian governance, aligns with people-centric leadership, African renaissance values, SDGs goals and compassion-driven public service .To Him, Leadership is not about power; it is about purpose. Not about position, but people and redefined governance through the lens of compassion, equity, and people-centric leadership.

13/03/2025

GOV ENO COMMISSIONS COMPASSIONATE HOME AS PRINCE ARCHIBONG REWRITES A WIDOW'S STORY IN OBOT AKARA LGA

A widow's story has taken a new turn in Ikpe Mbak Eyop Village, Obot Akara LGA, as Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commissioned and handed over a fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow to Madam Promise Effiong, a widow with two children.

The event, held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, marked the official presentation of the home, which was built and donated by Obong (Dr.) Prince Mendy Archibong, Founder and Chairman of the Prince Archibong Foundation.

Represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Princess Emem Ibanga, the Governor commended Dr. Archibong for his generosity, stating that the act aligns with his vision of transforming lives in the state.

The Governor noted that Dr. Archibong's kind gesture goes beyond providing shelter, but has restored dignity, hope and security to a widow who previously had no decent place to call a home.

He urged other individuals and organizations to emulate what Dr. Archibong has done, stressing that a collective approach to social welfare would help build a more inclusive and caring Akwa Ibom State.

“To the beneficiary of this beautiful home, I say congratulations. May this home be filled with joy, peace and prosperity,” he added.

To further support Madam Effiong, the Governor presented a business grant of ₦500,000 to her, reaffirming his administration's commitment to empowering the vulnerable in line with the ARISE Agenda.

In his speech, the donor thanked the Governor for his humanitarian efforts in the state and explained that his decision to build the house for the beneficiary was driven by a deep sense of humanity, inspired by the Governor's leadership and commitment to the people's well-being.

"I appreciate the Governor for his numerous impactful initiatives. His humanitarian works continue to inspire me, and I am excited to follow his footsteps. That is why I built and donated this house, to provide shelter for the beneficiary," Dr. Archibong said.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Obot Akara LGA, Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic Akpan, described the donation as life-changing and commended both the Governor and Dr. Archibong. "This family once lacked proper shelter, but today, their story has changed," he said.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Madam Effiong described the gesture as divine intervention. She thanked Dr. Archibong for rescuing her from her struggles and expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the business support, praying for God's blessings upon them.

In attendance were Hon. Eyeneokpon Nta, Obot Akara Legislative Council leader, Obong Imo Charles, PDP Obot Akara Chapter chairman, Chief Udo Asuquo Udo, Ikpe Mbak Eyop family head, Community leaders, Women, Youths.

Others were, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Akpan, Aides to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, Mrs Mfon Israel.

Information/Public Relations Unit
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
March 13, 2025

04/03/2025

EFCC arrests ex-Akwa Ibom governor Udom Emmanuel over ‘N700bn fraud’

Udom Emmanuel, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N700 billion fraud.
TheCable understands that the former governor was taken into custody shortly after he arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday around 12:30 pm.
Emmanuel was at the EFCC headquarters to honour an invitation over the allegation of money laundering, diversion of funds and stealing preferred against him by Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NCAT), a civil society organisation (CSO).
Sources within the EFCC said the petitioner alleged that the former governor received N3 trillion from the federation Account in eight years but left a debt profile of N500 billion and unpaid ongoing projects worth N300 billion in Akwa Ibom state.
He was also alleged to be unable to account for N700 billion.
There has been no official statement issued about the arrest by the anti-graft agency.
Source: The Cable

03/03/2025

CEO, FIRST FRUIT FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES ANIEKAN UMANAH, APPRECIATES GOV. ENO
..says Abak is happy with the Governor

By Mfonobong Ukpong

The CEO of First Fruit Foundation, Chief Ubongabasi Jacob has described the appointment of an illustrious son of Abak, Hon. Elder. Aniekan Umanah by Governor Umo Eno as Commissioner fir Information as a step in the right direction.

Speaking with newsmen in Abak, Chief Jacob who described the return of Hon. Umanah as Information boss as a reward for hardwork, said his excellent performance as Commissioner for Information during the administration of former Governor Godswill Akpabio and later, Governor Udom Emmanuel, as well as his impressive performance while serving as Media Consultant to Governor Umo Eno stood him out for the current job.

While congratulating, Hon. Umanah on his appointment into the State Executive Council, Chief Ubongabasi commended Governor Umo Eno for selecting a round peg in a round hole, and expressed confidence in the ability of Hon. Umanah to effectively interprete the ARISE Agenda of the Umo Eno led administration to the understanding of the masses.

Jacob, a PDP stakeholder in Abak, said the people Abak are excited about the appointment of Aniekan Umanah into the State Executive Council, and will continue file behind the government of Pastor Umo Eno to enable him succeed in his development agenda for the State.

12/02/2025