Oruk-Anam Media Roundtable, Oruk Anam, Uyo (2025)

17/09/2025

PHOTO NEWS

Earlier today, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Rep. Unyime Idem Ph.D, received in courtesy, the World Bank Country representative, Mr. Ishtiak Siddique, in his office at the National Assembly, where they discussed collaboration between the World Bank and the House Committee on Public Procurement.

Present at the meeting was the Director General of Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, as well as other team members from the World Bank.

10/09/2025

RT HON UNYIME IDEM: CHANGING THE NARRATIVES AND PLANTING A BILLION SEEDS OF HOPE IN ORUK ANAM/UKANAFUN FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

When Rt Hon Unyime Idem announced the ₦1 Billion Family-Based Business Grant, many would have thought it was a political event intended for politicians. But what is happening on the ground tells a different story. One thousand families are about to receive a life-changing boost of ₦1 Million each, not through the usual politics of stakeholders’ selections, connections, and favoritism, but through a process that gives everyone a fair shot.

This, in fact, is no ordinary empowerment programme. It is democracy in its purest form, where families in over 270 villages will have equal chances to benefit.

Instead of backdoor lists and selective privilege, Rt Hon Idem has constituted a structure that places power back in the hands of the people. To make this possible, a 14-man Central Planning Committee and 24 Ward Coordinators have been inaugurated to oversee the process and ensure that transparency is not just preached but practiced.

In this new order, no one is invisible. That young man dreaming of his first start-up in Ikot Akpa Nkuk, the widow selling palm oil in Urua Anwa fruit market, the elderly farmer in Inen Ekefe, even persons with disabilities—everyone has a place at the table. This is the first time an empowerment initiative of such magnitude is not a privilege for the few.

The process itself screams fairness and transparency. Each village will hold a balloting exercise to decide which three families will be chosen first. Those families, in turn, will present five names each, and from them the final beneficiaries will emerge. The process will be open, witnessed by the people, and supervised by the coordinators and representatives of the Central Planning Committee. In every village, at least one woman must be among the beneficiaries.

In all of these, Rt Hon Unyime Idem is not merely distributing money. He is building businesses and planting seeds of sustainability. Before a cheque is handed out, each beneficiary will undergo an entrepreneurial training and mentoring program designed to sharpen their understanding of entrepreneurship and business, financial discipline, and nurture their ideas.

With the training, the ₦1 Million is not meant to disappear into thin air, but to multiply—becoming shops, farms, workshops, and companies, while the impact of the grant on the GDP will be sustained for years to come.

The ₦1 Billion Family-Based Business Grant is consistent with Idem’s broader legacy. Over the years, he has empowered over 5,000 constituents through his annual empowerment initiatives, lit up over 100 villages with solar streetlights, opened up roads across Ukanafun and Oruk Anam, and facilitated federal jobs and overseas training opportunities for hundreds of our young people.

And this ₦1 Billion initiative is only the beginning. Over the coming years, the programme will extend to ₦5 Billion, covering 5,000 families in Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency.

One undeniable fact is, Rt Hon Unyime Idem is proving that leadership can still be about service. What he is doing is more than charity; it is intentional economic engineering, designed to raise a new generation of directors in the federal civil service in the nearest future, private sector job creators, innovators, and self-reliant families.

The narratives are changing as Rt Hon Unyime Idem is rewriting them. Veritas est; plura venient. There is more to come for the people of Oruk Anam/Ukanafun Federal Constituency.

~ Samuel Udoh, Seafarer and Alumni of AIBO-Beijing, writes from FOT, Onne

07/09/2025

*REP. IDEM HONOURED IN LONDON BY ATI ANNANG, UNITED KINGDOM CHAPTER*

The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Rep. Unyime Idem, has been honoured with an "Award of Excellence for Effective Representation" in London by Ati Annang, the apex socio-cultural organization in Annang Nation.

The honour was bestowed on Rep. Idem during the Ati Annang United Kingdom Chapter Summer Event, with the theme; "A brighter future for Annang youths through skills acquisition".

Presenting the award to the federal lawmaker on behalf of Ati Annang, United Kingdom Chapter, Hon. Aniefiok Ekpu, expressed the organization's satisfaction with Rep. Idem's sterling performance as member of the National Assembly, noting that "he stands out as a model of effective representation by every standard."

Responding, Rep. Unyime Idem, appreciated Ati Annang, UK Chapter, for tracking his modest achievements in the National Assembly and honouring him with the award.

He also applauded the UK chapter of Ati Annang for their contributions and support to their homeland, charging them to keep being great ambassadors of Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria in the United Kingdom.

Idem promised that the award will propel him to do more for his constituents, Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria in general.

The Summer event, which was also a fundraiser, seeks to empower young Annang people with practical skills that will guarantee independence, self-reliance, and long-term prosperity.

The event had in attendance the President of Ati Annang Foundation, Adede Aniekpeno Mkpanang, as well as an array of leaders, stakeholders, and members of the Annang community in the Diaspora.

02/09/2025

*NO MISTAKE CHOOSING YOU AS VP, TINUBU TELLS SHETTIMA AT 59.*

By; _Isaac Samuel_

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 59th birthday, saying his choice of him as deputy was deliberate and has proven right.
Tinubu in a statement yesterday to celebrate the Vice President praised Shettima’s courage, loyalty and contributions to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that his partnership with Shettima has strengthened governance and yielded tangible results for Nigerians.

The President said: “Today, September 2, 2025, presents me with another unique opportunity to celebrate you, my brother, partner, and Vice President, as you mark another birthday.

“Since we embarked on this journey, united by the shared vision of building a more prosperous nation, your courage, sense of duty, tenacity, determination, and belief in Nigeria’s greatness have remained unshaken.

“You served the people of Borno, your home state, excellently as Governor for eight years and later as Senator representing Borno Central in the National Assembly. In both roles, you showed that leadership is service, not privilege, even in the face of immense challenges.

“However, your service to Nigeria, fueled by your passion for democracy, good governance, and economic development, has been even more remarkable.

He also credited the vice president with helping to secure new global partnerships, drive food security and investment reforms, and pledged that their collaboration would continue to deliver schools, hospitals, jobs and improved living standards.

“I deeply appreciate your vibrancy, loyalty, partnership, and support as my deputy. In choosing you then as a partner, I selected competence and other qualities that Nigeria could depend on.

“Every day, as Vice President, you have justified that choice by strengthening our work, bringing fresh perspectives, and upholding our commitment to Nigerians. Your dedication reassures me that I did not make a mistake in choosing you as my deputy.

“Together, we have begun to lay the foundations of the Renewed Hope Agenda. From securing new global partnerships across the Atlantic to driving food security and investment reforms at home, your partnership has been integral to our success.

“In the months ahead, as we unlock new trade corridors and deliver more schools, hospitals, and jobs, our partnership will continue to yield results that Nigerians can see and feel. We must continue to work towards the full realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which will foster prosperity in the country and enhance the living standards of our people.

“Our relationship transcends official duties. It is a bridge across regions and traditions, united in purpose and service. You remind us of what is possible when Nigeria comes first — an example worthy of emulation by those who aspire to lead”, the President added.

01/09/2025

Obonganwan Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet attended the critical stakeholders meeting of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
The gathering drew participation from members of the National and State Assemblies, Local Government Chairmen, and Leaders across Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District.

31/08/2025

PRAISES ON MORGAN EKANEM AS GRADUANDS OF SKILL-UP ORUK ANAM INITIATIVE RECEIVE STARTER PACKS

After 6 months intensive training, the second batch of Graduands of the Skill-Up Oruk Anam initiative, have received certificates and starter packs to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey, thanks to the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Barr Morgan Ekanem.

The brief graduation ceremony which took place on Saturday at Oruk Anam Skill Acquisition center, Ikot Uboh, saw the 8 graduands receive brand new sewing machines each, a great improvement from the maiden graduation where only the two outstanding Trainees received machines.

Speaking at the event, the founder of the center, Barr Morgan Ekanem said the initiative which complements Governor Umo Eno’s youth development policy, is aimed at introducing youths to diverse skills for self sustainability.

Represented by the wife, Mrs Abundance Ekanem, the Governor’s Aide admonished the Trainees to leverage on their newfound skills, develop themselves and contribute to the state’s economic development.

Meanwhile, community leaders and political stakeholders in their respective goodwill messages, praised Governor Umo Eno for appointing their son into the mainstream of his administration.

While describing Barr Ekanem as God’s special gift to Oruk Anam, different speakers including the village head of Ikot Uboh, Oruk Anam APC Chapter Chairman, PDP and APC chairmen of Ward 4, Mr Esitmbom John, Elder Imo Ukpe, amongst others, assured the Governor of their continuous support.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Blessing Harrison and Precious Sunday who were full of praises to Barr Ekanen, promised to be good ambassadors of the initiative.

31/08/2025

IGNORANCE, BITTERNESS AND THE MISGUIDED ATTACK ON VISIONARY INITIATIVES

When rural electrification began in Ghana around 1965, one of their chiefs protested.

According to him, “our ancestors used the moonlight to see at night.” He called electricity “white man’s magic and witchcraft.”

Fifty plus years later, Ghana enjoys one of West Africa’s most stable power grids. Imagine if the entire nation had listened to the ignorance of that single chief—they would still be debating how to share moonlight.

Sadly, history has a way of repeating itself. Today, in our own politics, a certain aspiring political figure has chosen to play the role of that same ignorant chief. Out of bitterness, he is sponsoring hate speeches against someone who is sponsoring young people on educational and economic exposure trips to China.

What is being celebrated elsewhere as a rare act of foresight is instead being openly campaigned against, just to score cheap political points. Why not initiate your own capacity building scheme and publicize same?

Let’s state the fact, facilitating young people to China is not tourism—it is strategic capacity building.

Today, China’s manufacturing capacity is greater than that of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan combined. It is the world’s leading hub for STEM research and the number one country in global R&D funding.

These trips give our young people front-row access to skills, knowledge, and networks that textbooks cannot provide.

Even China’s immigration policies grant first-line consideration advantages to those who have benefitted from such exchanges. That is not politics— it is opportuny. Opportunity that will see that tomorrow, our young people are key economic leaders.

Today in Africa, we stand at the dawn of a new trade revolution. The Belt and Road Initiative is unlocking billions of dollars in private sector investments across Africa. In this reality, the young leaders we train today will determine whether our country is a driver of this new economy or just a passenger. Which serious leader, with both eyes open, would dare sabotage this vision in the name of petty rivalry?

This culture of poisoning the public against sincere initiatives must stop. We can disagree on ideology, but to deliberately undermine the preparation of our future economic leaders is not only reckless—it is wicked.

The world is moving forward. China is training their own young people to dominate tomorrow’s economy. And yet here we are, with an opposition more interested in tearing down than building up.

Let whoever knows the young man and wannabe advise him- like it is always said, "bitterness is not a strategy, ignorance is not leadership and cheap political points will never develop Oruk Anam/ Ukanafun Federal Constituency."

Elections will come and go, and effective representation will continue, but we will always remember you for your campaign of bitterness and calumny.

~ Samuel Udoh, Seafarer and Alumni of AIBO-Beijing, writes from the FOT, Onne

30/08/2025

*PRESS RELEASE*

*GUIDELINES FOR SELECTION AND DISBURSEMENT OF REP. Unyime Idem ONE BILLION NAIRA (₦1B) FAMILY-BASED BUSINESS GRANT EMPOWERMENT TO 1000 BENEFICIARIES (BATCH 1) WHO WILL RECEIVE ONE MILLION NAIRA EACH, IN UKANAFUN/ORUK ANAM FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY*

The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman, Public Procurement Committee of the House of Representatives, Rep. Unyime Idem has released modalities for selection and disbursement of One Billion Naira family-based business grant to 1000 beneficiaries, who will receive One million Naira (₦1M) each.

To coordinate and execute this assignment, Rep. Idem has inaugurated a 14-man Central Planning Committee, 24 Ward Coordinators, and 2 Media Coordinators.

This notice is necessary to ensure transparency, inclusivity, equal opportunity, and fair disbursement of the family-based business grant to beneficiaries across the 1000 families in the about 300 villages in the Federal Constituency

For emphasis, women, youths, men, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, those without godfathers or highly placed individuals to recommend them, stand equal chance to benefit from the empowerment, irrespective of societal standing, status, political party and religious inclination.

The idea behind the family-based initiative was reached after considering the fact that a lot of empowerment programmes aimed at the rural dwellers and less privileged, get hijacked by some persons, and therefore, do not get to the intended beneficiaries.

To ensure a seamless, transparent, and fair process of selection of beneficiaries, the following modalities should be noted;

_- The 3 Beneficiaries will be selected from 3 families in each of the about 300 villages in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency to receive the business grant of One Million Naira (₦1M) each._

_- There shall be a Central Planning Committee (CPC), which shall coordinate the general affairs of the disbursement of the grant._

_- There shall be 24 coordinators drawn from each INEC ward across the federal constituency. The coordinators will oversee the selection process in the respective villages, which shall be monitored by members of the CPC, to ensure it is seamless and aligns with the principles of transparency, inclusivity, equity and fairness._

_- Selection of beneficiaries is expected to be completed, at most, by end of September, to allow the CPC ample time to plan for the empowerment of the 1000 persons, which is expected to happen in December this year._

_- Every village with more than three families will ballot among themselves, and the lucky first 3 families will be chosen, from where the beneficiaries will come from, while the other families will benefit in subsequent batches._

_- The first three families selected from the first balloting process shall present five members each to stand in the final balloting, from where the three beneficiaries shall emerge._

_- The balloting process, which shall involve members of the community, shall be supervised by the Ward Coordinators and CPC members._

_- No family shall produce more than one beneficiary per batch._

_- Every village must have at least one female as beneficiary per batch among the at least 3 beneficiaries._

_- The Ward Coordinators and representatives of families of beneficiaries and the community are to sign the nominees forms before transmission to the CPC._

_- Note that failure of the Ward Coordinators to work in synergy with the communities to produce a list of acceptable nominees, leading to any form of disagreement or protest, the CPC will take over the nomination of beneficiaries from such village._

_- Intending beneficiaries will fill a form where they shall provide verifiable personal details as shall be demanded therein. They will also attach recent, clear passport photographs to the form, which shall also be used in the brochure, as well as verifiable means of identification, which should be either National ID card, International passport, Driver's License or Voter's Card._

_- The 1000 beneficiaries are advised to present verifiable account details from commercial banks, as they shall receive cheques on the day of the event, payable to their personal accounts, NOT to proxy accounts._

_- The selected beneficiaries will undergo a mandatory 3-day entrepreneurial training, which will be handled by a reputable Nigerian business firm before the disbursement is done._

_- The firm will also effectively monitor the use of the business grant by the beneficiaries to ensure it is judiciously committed to their businesses._

_- Constituents should note that the empowerment will be done in batches, yearly, and therefore should be patient if they do not make the first list of 1000 this batch, as beneficiaries will be drawn from EVERY family in the Federal Constituency to benefit from subsequent disbursements of the business grant._

_- All enquiries by constituents should be directed to the Ward Coordinators who shall be available to respond at all times._

Let it be reiterated that the composition of these levels of committees is to ensure seamless nomination process, transparency, fairness, and equity.

Constituents are by this notice assured that Rep. Idem is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the process is devoid of any rancour, favouritism and ill-will, but aims at empowering constituents to startup and expand their businesses, be self-sufficient, raise millionaires and create the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, therefore, assures that the One Billion Naira family-based business grant initiative to 1000 beneficiaries who are to receive One Million Naira each will continue yearly until all the 5000 families across the federal constituency have benefitted.

This family-based business grant initiative is part of Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem's commitment to achieving his five-point agenda for the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.

*Below are the seven-point agenda;*

1. *Infrastructure Development*

2. *Ongoing facilitation of employment into federal MDAs for thousands of constituents.*

3. *Sponsorship of foreign scholarships and overseas trainings for 100 Akwa Ibomites.*

4. *Skills acquisition and empowerment programme.*

5. *Health*

6. *Disbursement of One Billion Naira family-based business grant to 1000 beneficiaries.*

7. *Effective representation in the national assembly.*

Signed
Office of the Honourable Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Please find attached the names of members of the Central Planning Committee, Ward Coordinators, and Media Coordinators across the Federal Constituency*

*Central Planning Committee*

Hon. Saturday Akpan - Chairman
Chief Elder Bassey Essien - Vice Chairman 1
Elder Samuel Akpan - Vice Chairman 2
Hon. Pst. Godwin Inyieng (PhD)
Hon. Nseobong Matthew Umanah
Dr. Paul A. Udofia
Apst. Barr. Efremfon Usenideh
Hon. Nkereuwem Udofia
Comrade Sylvester Ebong
Mr. Anietie Donatus Idiong
Mr. Ediong Charles Essien
Mr. Nsenam Iwuoetok.
Dianime Uko - Secretary

*Ward Coordinators*

*Ukanafun LGA*

Ward 1 - Hon. Uko Idiong
Ward 2 - CSP James Harry Ukata Rtd.
Ward 3 - Hon. Barr. Idongesit Umoh
Ward 4 - Hon. Dr. Nsikak Udoibe
Ward 5 - Hon. Amos Udom
Ward 6 - Hon. Idaraesit Jimmy Udoh
Ward 7 - Abom Aniekan Akpan
Ward 8 - Deacon Ndianabasi Udom
Ward 9 - Mr. Aniebiet Umo Uko
Ward 10 - Hon. Umakiso Umoh
Ward 11 - Hon. Ufokobong Owen

*Oruk Anam LGA*

Ward 1 - Hon. Okokon Etiebet
Ward 2 - Hon. Uduak Udoetuk
Ward 3 - Hon. Uwem Ikpong
Ward 4 - Mr. Esitmbom John
Ward 5 - Mr. Aniefiok Udoatai
Ward 6 - Mr. Itohowo Rex Ekongetor
Ward 7 - Elder Okon Evans
Ward 8 - Mr. Ukeme Peters
Ward 9 - Hon. Saturday Benjamin
Ward 10 - Hon. Saviour Inyang
Ward 11 - Mr. Enobong Ufot Inyang
Ward 12 - Hon. Mrs. Mabel Udongwo
Ward 13 - Hon. Anthony Akp

22/08/2025

*REP. IDEM SENDS FORTH 15TH BATCH OF 6 AKWA IBOMITES TO CHINA FOR ADVANCED STUDY*

The Member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Rep. Unyime Idem has sent forth the 15th batch of six (6) Akwa Ibomites to China.

They will be undergoing training on High-Quality Development of Sesame Industry as well as Community Building and Volunteer Services.

The all-expense paid training is in fulfilment of Rep. Idem's promise to train 100 Akwa Ibom youths on relevant skills needed for optimum efficiency and global competitiveness.

The six (6) trainees are;

*Imo Malachy Nkantion*

*Inimfon Dick Udoinyang*

*Ukeme Mfon Nelson*

*Stanley Sunday Peter*

*Alfred Elder Udofia*

*Goodnews Nse Thompson*

At a brief send forth ceremony in Abuja, Rep. Idem said the gesture is to equip and raise the next generation of leaders in Akwa Ibom state, with requisite knowledge and certification to play at the global stage.

"The world is a global village, so there's need for you to be exposed to modern technology to be able to compete with your counterparts globally, so wherever you have an opportunity to work, you will not lag behind.

"To achieve this, I'm targeting to train and equip a minimum of 100 Akwa Ibomites to be self-reliant and to be able to compete with their counterparts across the world."

*"What is helping me today to do what I'm able to do and achieve is the level of training and exposure I've garnered over the years across the globe, and it is my desire that you do better than me",* Idem noted.

He promised that the training would be done periodically in order to achieve the 100 targeted number.

Part of the letter from Rep. Idem to the beneficiaries, titled "Letter of Nomination and Sponsorship to Training in China", reads "As a participant in the training, you're entitled to a travelling allowance, but beyond that, your experience there will put you on a pedestal to compete favourably with your counterparts across the globe."

"I therefore advise you to be of good conduct as an ambassador of Akwa Ibom state and the country, Nigeria."

"I wish you a safe stay throughout the training period and journey mercies, to and from China. Congratulations."

22/08/2025

PHOTO NEWS

Yesterday, the immediate past Honourable Commissioner for Education and the current Delivery Advisor, Akwa Ibom State, Obonganwan Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet , received the wife of the Senate President of Nigeria, Her Excellency (Dr.) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, at the Council Secretariat, Ikot Ibritam.

The visit was part of her ongoing voters’ sensitization tour across the 10 Local Government Areas in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

She was warmly welcomed by political stakeholders, women, youths, and other prominent sons and daughters of Oruk Anam.

22/08/2025

OVER 5,000 WOMEN, 11,286 CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM IBOM OPEN MATERNITY PROJECT IN AKWA IBOM

A total of 5846 Mothers and 11,286 Children were reached with integrated medical services including ultrasound scans laboratory services, free consultation, medications and referrals across seven local government areas in Akwa Ibom State through the Ibom Open Maternity Project; an initiative of the Carelife Character Foundation in partnership with government agencies and international development organizations and partners including World Health Organization (WHO), Helen Keller, UNICEF among others.

A whooping 1638 breastfeeding mothers received care while 1423 pregnant women were supplemented with Multiple Micronutrients Supplements(MMS). During the period, 3626 were assessed for malnutrition and 284 severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases were identified and treated by a team of medical professionals and caregivers.

The Executive Director of the Foundation and initiator of the Project, Dr. Aniekeme George, disclosed this during the grand finale of the 20-day outreach which coincided with the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week. He lamented the alarming rate of infant and maternal mortality and malnutrition in rural communities of the State, stressing the need for urgent and collective intervention.
The Ibom Open Maternity Project, Dr. George explained, was designed to mark the 2025 World Breastfeeding Week was used as a medium to address these gaps by establishing accessible, community-anchored maternity hubs that provide high-quality, respectful, and integrated maternal and newborn care.

The Project, which ran from 1st August to 19th August, 2025 with a grand finale on the 20th August 2025 was officially flagged off with an advocacy road walk led by the First Lady Designate of Akwa Ibom State, Helen Eno Obareki, drawing approximately 1,000 participants, which demonstrated strong government leadership and commitment.

The team spent two days in each of the seven local government areas - Oruk Anam, Ukanafun, Eket, Ikot Abasi, Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan, and Nsit Ubium, mainly for maternal literacy, training of local health workers/ TBAs, mental health screening and counseling, insurance and birth registrations for mothers and children, malnutrition screening and management.

According to Dr. George, who works with the Pediatric Department of Oxford University, United Kingdom, maternal and newborn health remains a pressing concern in Nigeria, with high rates of maternal mortality. "In Akwa Ibom State in particular, current data reveals 774 per 100,000 live births," he added.

Citing a recent 2023/2024 NDHS data, the medical expert said there has been decline in child nutrition in Akwa Ibom, with stunting rising from 19.6% to 24.1%, wasting from 4.2% to 11.8%, and underweight from 8.9% to 22.6%—highlighting an urgent need for intervention.

Speaking further, Dr. George proposed the establishment of Malnutrition Assessment Unit in Primary Health Centres of every Local Government Area, to complement the State government’s existing model primary health facilities. He also urged wives of Council Chairmen and community stakeholders to spearhead grassroots campaigns against maternal and infant mortality.

He stated: "Today marks the grand finale of a 20-day journey of impact and service — the Ibom Open Maternity Week Project. Over the past days, our team has moved from one Local Government Area to another, reaching communities, listening to mothers, and responding to their most pressing needs. The vision behind this project has always been clear: to support mothers and give every child a fair chance at healthy growth”.

"We must commend the Akwa Ibom State Government led by His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno for the significant strides it continues to make in improving the health sector. This project builds on that foundation, ensuring that mothers in underserved communities receive not just care, but also the right information and encouragement to raise healthy children."

Providing background for the project, the Executive Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Eno Attah, described the project as an expanded version of the annual World Breastfeeding Week, now transformed into a full-scale medical mission targeted at pregnant women and children under five years of age. She hailed the Foundation for its foresight.

Representing the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor at the event, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, member representing Oron/Udung Uko State Constituency, reassured that the State government remains committed to upgrading healthcare facilities for the wellbeing of citizens. Similarly, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Alfred Charles, praised the Foundation for a programme he said has touched thousands of lives.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, highlighted the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding and advocated an extension of maternity leave for nursing mothers to six months, as against the current three months, to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Also speaking, the Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, Engr. Benedict Ukpong, commended Governor Umo Eno’s healthcare interventions under the ARISE Agenda. He pledged NPC’s continued partnership with relevant agencies in providing reliable data for health programmes and development planning.

Other partners, including the Helen Keller Foundation, World Health Organisation (WHO), and Golden Initiative for All (GIFA), also delivered goodwill messages in support of the initiative.

The highpoint of the grand finale held at the Council Hall of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Ikot Edibon, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025 was the distribution of nutritional packs and supplements to more than 1,000 breastfeeding mothers, alongside a drama presentation on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, which drew wide applause from participants.

Oruk-Anam Media Roundtable

17/09/2025

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07/09/2025

02/09/2025

01/09/2025

31/08/2025

31/08/2025

30/08/2025

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