The Highlight

ARISE COMPASSIONATE HOME: NKOM COMMENDS UMO ENO AS AGED WIDOWER RECEIVES NEW HOME IN URUK USO

…Presents brand-new plasma television and financial support to beneficiary

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his compassionate intervention in providing a new home for an aged widower in Uruk Uso, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The Chairman gave the commendation on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during the commissioning and handover of a newly built and fully furnished two-bedroom bungalow donated to Mr. Edet Akpan Mbo in Uruk Uso Village.

The Governor, represented by Dr. Glory Edet, officially handed over the house to the beneficiary, who had been living in a collapsed mud house.

In addition to the new home, Governor Umo Eno presented Mr. Mbo with a financial support of ₦500,000 to assist him in improving his livelihood.

The Governor also commended the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi Umo Ekpo, for faithfully implementing the vision of the ARISE Compassionate Home initiative.

He also acknowledged Chairman Nkom for maintaining peace and promoting development in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Elder Nkom thanked Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens across the state.

He said the Governor had done much for the people of Ikot Ekpene, assuring that the people would reciprocate the gesture with massive support in 2027.

As a demonstration of his personal support for the beneficiary, Elder Nkom presented Mr. Mbo with a brand-new plasma television and financial assistance. He also made immediate arrangements for the beneficiary to receive medical treatment.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi Umo Ekpo, disclosed that the project marked the 10th ARISE Compassionate Home provided in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

He said the initiative reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to inclusive leadership and improving the lives of vulnerable citizens, adding that more beneficiaries have been profiled and construction of their homes would commence soon.

The Village Head of Uruk Uso, Chief Akpan Udo Odung, thanked Governor Umo Eno for the gesture, describing Mr. Mbo as a hardworking son of the community who had served the village faithfully for several years as a town crier.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, praised Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to humanitarian service and his numerous people-oriented projects across Akwa Ibom State.

Ekong also presented the beneficiary with a fully subscribed digital television package and financial support towards his healthcare.

The Member Representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu; General Manager, Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim; and the Vice Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Elder Mrs. Abigail Akpan, also commended the Governor for his efforts in touching lives, particularly in Ikot Ekpene while donating financial support to the beneficiary.

In an emotional response, Mr. Mbo thanked Governor Umo Eno for completely transforming his life through the gesture and prayed that God would bless and preserve him to continue doing good.

Media Unit
Office of the Chairman
Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area
September 12, 2026

Ikot Ekpene Council Boss Applauds Umo Eno's developmental strides

By James Akpan

The chairman of Ikot Ekpene local government council, Elder Aniefiok Nkom has celebrated Governor Umo Eno on his developmental strides in Akwa Ibom since assumption of office.

Elder Nkom poured the encomium on the Governor while appearing on a special AKBC Radio and Television program, Impact Plus.

The council chairman described the Governor as a God sent leader who has so far attracted one project or the other to every local government in the state.

He hailed the Governor for his interest in the Raffia city as seen in the number of projects to be inaugurated this month by the state chief executive as part of events marking the 39th anniversary of the state.

Elder Nkom said in Ikot Ekpene, his administration has opened up the communities in the area to attract development.

According to him, his government has undertaken the training the youth, empowering the women and helping them to be self reliant.

The council chairman noted that a shopping complex with about 48 shops have been constructed by his administration to drive revenue to the Council and add value to the economic well being of the citizens.

Elder Nkom stated that in the area of security, the council has good synergy with the security agencies to maintain law and order as well as protect lives and property.

The chairman explained that his administration has revived the Raffia Craft in Ikot Ekpene to promote commerce and trade in the area.

He pledged an unflinching loyalty and support of the people of Ikot Ekpene to the administration of pastor Umo Eno beyond 2027.

MONITORED/IMPACT PLUS/JAMES/JONAH

AMANYAM RESIDENTS CELEBRATE AS GOV. ENO COMMISSIONS 6.475KM ROAD

For residents of Amanyam and adjoining communities in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the commissioning of the 6.475-kilometre access road was more than the unveiling of a new infrastructure as it was a moment of relief, renewed hope and gratitude for a community that had endured years of difficult road conditions.

The people trooped out in large numbers to witness the commissioning and express appreciation to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for delivering the road, which links several communities and provides direct access to the Comprehensive Health Centre.

The road, which traverses Ifuho, Ibong, Ikot Udoe and Mbiaso communities, is expected to ease transportation, improve access to healthcare and markets, and stimulate economic activities across the area.

The commissioning took place today, 3rd September 2026, at Amanyam, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area as part of activities to mark Akwa Ibom State at 39.

Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said his administration was set to improve the quality of life of the people. He said projects being executed by his administration were deliberately designed to improve living conditions and create opportunities for the people.

The Governor also assured the people of Ikot Ekpene that inherited and unfinished projects would be reviewed and completed, while promising additional interventions, including the Ikot Ekpene International Market, Compassionate Homes, Primary Health Centres and more road projects.

The State Governor commended the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Chairman, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, for his people driven development stride.

Giving details of the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga described the road as a major infrastructure intervention designed to open up Amanyam and neighbouring communities. He said the 6.475-kilometre single-carriageway has an eight-metre-wide carriageway, 150mm compacted sub-base and base courses, a 50mm wearing course, six culverts, 12.95 kilometres of side drains and outfall drains at designated locations.

According to him, the infrastructure was constructed and supervised to meet the required standards of quality, durability, and effective water management. He also appreciated the Governor.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, applauded Governor Eno for the significant developmental strides across the area, ranging from the ongoing International Market, hospital project and road infrastructure. Nkom said the completion of the Amanyam–Mbiaso road had brought tangible benefits to the people, assuring the Governor of the continued support of the people of Ikot Ekpene.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, and the Paramount Ruler, HRM Okon Udo Ukut, expressed appreciation to the Governor Eno for prioritising projects with direct impact on the people.

They recalled the hardship residents had experienced as a result of the poor condition of the road over the years, noting that its completion had restored access, and economic activities.

Otobong Eshiet
3rd September, 2026

The Highlight

The Forum of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Academics in Tertiary Institutions has honoured the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, Ph.D for outstanding representation, constituency and human capital development.

The delegation was led by the President of the Forum, Dr Daniel Evans Eshett

ELDER NKOM INSPECTS COMPLIANCE AS IKOT EKPENE HOLDS AUGUST SANITATION

In a continued effort to promote environmental cleanliness and maintain a healthy environment across Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, the Chairman of the Council, Hon. (Elder) Aniefiok Nkom, alongside the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, inspected compliance during the August sanitation exercise.

During the exercise, the Chairman and the Commissioner moved through various parts of Ikot Ekpene to monitor the sanitation activities and encourage residents to take environmental cleanliness seriously.

Elder Nkom reiterated the commitment of his administration to maintaining a clean, healthy and orderly environment, noting that a clean environment is essential to the health, safety and overall well-being of the people.

He also urged business owners and residents to properly dispose of waste and desist from activities that could undermine the cleanliness and cause flood in the Local Government Area.

The Commissioner For Environment and the council Chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the level of compliance observed at Urua Otor Ato and Urua Ibong where business activities were taking place during the sanitation and, directed the relevant authorities to ensure full compliance in subsequent sanitation exercise.

Media Unit
Office of the Chairman
Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area
29:08:26

IKOT EKPENE LG EMPOWERS 50 MARKET WOMEN WITH BUSINESS GRANTS

The Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council has empowered 50 market women drawn from the various wards of the area as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots entrepreneurship and promote economic self-reliance among women.

The programme, held at the Ikot Ekpene Town Hall, was organised under the theme, “Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Engagement of Market Women.”

Presenting the financial support to the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, commended the women for their continued support and cooperation with his administration.

Nkom urged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely in their businesses, noting that the success of any empowerment initiative depends largely on how well the resources provided are managed and multiplied.

Hon. Nkom said his administration would go beyond financial assistance by engaging experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals to train the beneficiaries on effective business management and sustainable enterprise development.

He said the proposed training would equip the women with practical knowledge and skills to improve their businesses, increase productivity and achieve greater financial independence.

The Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Affiong Aniefiok Nkom, who has been actively involved in women-focused empowerment initiatives, also commended the beneficiaries for their support and partnership with the administration.

Mrs. Nkom reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to implementing programmes that would positively impact residents, particularly women, and enhance their capacity to become economically productive and self-reliant. She also joined in presenting the empowerment funds to the beneficiaries.

Delivering their remarks separately , Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Elder Abigail Akpan, and the Leader of the Legislative Council, alongside other stakeholders, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds and channel them towards expanding their businesses, describing the initiative as a meaningful intervention capable of strengthening small businesses and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

IKLGA
25th August, 2026

ARISE YOUTH SKILLS WEEK UNVEILED

Akwa Ibom state Government has officially unveiled the second edition of the ARISE Youth Skills Week.

The program designed to equip young people in the state with employable and entrepreneurial skills was unveiled on Wednesday during a news briefing in Uyo.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, said the ARISE Youth Skills Week 2.0 with the theme, Skills for a shared future is in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, job creation, and self-reliance.

Dr Ekanem noted that the 2026 edition of the Arise Youth Skills Week which promises to be bigger and more practical would take place from 24th to 25th August 2026 at Ibom E- Library, Uyo.

He announced that application portal for the pitch competition would open on Thursday August 20 for young persons between the age of 15 and 35 to register their different skills.

Dr. Ekanem explained that this year’s program will feature hands-on training in key areas such as digital skills, agro-processing, fashion and garment making, catering, renewable energy, leather work, and vocational crafts.

He noted that industry experts, master trainers, and successful entrepreneurs will be on ground to mentor participants throughout the exercise.

The Commissioner hailed Governor Eno for being intentional about youth development in the state as seen in various youth friendly programs such as the construction of Youth Development Centers across the thirty one local government areas of the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, urged the media to give the program wide coverage so that youths in all 31 local government areas can benefit.

He commended the Governor for identifying youth development as a critical item of the Arise agenda.

Mr Umana stressed that over two thousand Youths have so far received training under the DASAC program with one million naira spent on each of the trainees.

The Consultant to the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Etukudo said the goal of the program is not just to train, but to ensure youths are set up to start their own businesses and to be employers of labour.

Goodwill messages were presented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Mr Joe Williams, the SSA on Local Media, comrade Amos Etuk and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Nsibiet John.

They all commended the Ministry for sustaining the initiative and called on youths to take full advantage of the opportunity to be gainfully employed.

NKOM LISTS ADMINISTRATION’S DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, has outlined key developmental initiatives undertaken by his administration since assuming office, with emphasis on infrastructure, human capital development, agriculture, staff welfare and security.

Nkom made this known on Thursday, August 13, 2026, when he received a delegation of the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association of Nigeria (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, on a courtesy visit to his office.

The Council Chairman said his administration had prioritised projects and programmes based on the immediate needs, safety and economic wellbeing of residents. He explained that the installation of speed breakers and rehabilitation of existing tarred roads were part of efforts to improve road safety and ease movement across the local government.

On economic development, the Chairman said the ongoing construction of a shopping complex and the Raffia City Mall was aimed at creating economic opportunities while promoting Ikot Ekpene's renowned raffia craft beyond the shores of the state.

He disclosed that efforts were also being made to showcase raffia products at the Ibom International Airport, while discussions had been held with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to further promote the local craft industry, adding that initiative is designed to reposition raffia production as not only a cultural heritage but also a viable economic enterprise for the people.

Nkom also highlighted the attention given to the welfare of council workers, noting that his administration had consistently prioritised staff welfare and provided a more conducive working environment.

On education and human capital development, the Chairman said 13 beneficiaries had completed training at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) and received start-up kits to enable them to establish their own businesses; support indigent students through payment of tuition fees at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, while other residents had been enrolled in various industrial skills acquisition programmes. Business grants, he further disclosed, had also been provided to rural women to strengthen their livelihoods and support small-scale enterprises.

On agriculture, Nkom revealed that the council had acquired hectares of farmland as part of efforts to boost food production and position Ikot Ekpene as a major food-producing area in Akwa Ibom State.

Hon. Nkom also cited the council's relationship with security agencies and traditional institutions as a major factor in maintaining peace in the area. He said the administration had maintained cordial relations with security operatives and village heads.

Nkom said the various programmes and projects of his administration were designed to complement the development vision of Governor Umo Eno under the ARISE Agenda and expressed appreciation to the governor for providing the platform for him to serve the people of Ikot Ekpene, pledging continued commitment to programmes that would improve the lives of residents.

Earlier, the President-General of ANPA, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Osuiniabasi Alfred, said the association was undertaking on-the-spot assessments of programmes and activities of local governments across the state.

Pastor Alfred explained that the exercise was intended to provide an independent assessment of grassroots development, analyse government interventions and keep the public properly informed.

Otobong Eshiet
13/8/2026

‎GIFA SENSITISES WOMEN ON FAMILY PLANNING IN URUAN
‎
‎Pregnant women and nursing mothers in Uruan Local Government Area have been sensitised on the importance of family planning as a means of preventing unplanned pregnancies and promoting healthy birth spacing.
‎
‎The Programmes Coordinator of the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, Mrs. Edidiong Inyang, disclosed this on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, while speaking during the Ibom Open Medical Missions, which was held at the Uruan Local Government Council Secretariat, at Idu Uruan.
‎
‎The programme, organised by Carelife Character Foundation in partnership with the Uruan Local Government Council, with support from GIFA and other partners, brought together pregnant women and nursing mothers who benefited from free medical checkups, got enrolled into the State health insurance scheme and received care packs from GIFA and the wife of the council chairman..
‎
‎Speaking on the importance of family planning, Mrs. Inyang dispelled the misconception that it is meant only for married women who no longer wish to have children, explaining that women should begin considering family planning once they attain reproductive age.
‎
‎On the significance of exclusive breastfeeding, Mrs. Inyang advised nursing mothers to give their babies only breast milk for the first six months of life, noting that it contains all the essential nutrients and water required for the healthy growth and development of an infant. She therefore discouraged mothers from introducing water or other feeds during the recommended period.
‎
‎Also speaking, the wife of the Uruan Local Government Council Chairman, Mrs. Ndifreke Ekpenyong, expressed appreciation to GIFA, the IOM team and other partners including ALGON and WALGON for their efforts in organising the programme and providing healthcare support to pregnant women and nursing mothers in the area.
‎
‎Mrs. Ekpenyong prayed for safe deliveries for the expectant mothers, expressing hope that their children would grow in good health and become blessings to their families and the society.
‎
‎In his remarks, a representative of IOM, Mr. Smart Okuku, encouraged nursing mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, stressing its importance to the health and development of their babies. He also thanked GIFA and other partners for their contributions towards the success of the programme.
‎
‎During the Programme which brought together hundreds of pregnant women and nursing mothers, several malnourished children were identified and their mothers given some packs of nutritional supplements to help restore the children to good health.
‎
‎Media Unit
‎Office of the First Lady, AKS
‎August 13, 2026.

NKOM CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY, ANNOUNCES FISH FARMING TRAINING

The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, has expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the opportunity to celebrate another year, describing his birthday as a testimony to God’s benevolence and faithfulness.

Nkom made the remarks on Monday, August 10, 2026, during the August edition of the monthly Covenant Service held in Ikot Ekpene, with the theme, “God’s Word Shall Not Be Prolonged,” drawn from Ezekiel 12:25–28.

Speaking during the service, the Chairman thanked God for His grace and preservation, while using the occasion to announce plans to commence training for interested beneficiaries in fish farming.

According to him, the initiative is part of efforts to equip residents with practical skills that can create opportunities for self-reliance and improve household livelihoods.

Nkom also disclosed that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, had provided ARISE Food for distribution to beneficiaries in the area. He, however, stressed that the food items are meant strictly for registered beneficiaries whose names appear on the Social Register and who possess the appropriate vouchers.

“The ARISE Food is for those who are registered beneficiaries. Please, let us ensure that only those with vouchers from the Social Register collect the items,” he said.

Hon. Nkom used the occasion to appeal to residents to take environmental sanitation seriously, particularly by avoiding the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters. He warned that residents who violate the sanitation regulations would face prosecution, stressing that maintaining a clean environment remain a collective responsibility.

Delivering the homily, Pastor Felix Abia of Shelter of Grace Ministry focused on the power and certainty of God’s Word, urging Christians to trust in divine promises and remain prepared for their manifestation.

Drawing from the theme of the service, the cleric declared that God does not lie and that every word spoken by Him has the capacity to come to pass at its appointed time. He encouraged the congregation to embrace continuous learning, personal growth and the effective use of available technology, noting that believers must position themselves with the knowledge and tools required for manifestation of God's name.

Pastor Abia identified lack of proper planning and budgeting, unbelief and negative human influences as factors that could hinder the realisation of God’s word in an individual’s life. He also advised believers to surround themselves with people who share similar aspirations and dreams.

Leading the cutting of the birthday cake, the Chairman’s wife, Mrs. Affiong Nkom, thanked God for the gift of life and prayed for many more years of good health, strength and fulfilment for her husband and prayed that the Chairman would continue to receive divine wisdom and grace in the discharge of his responsibilities.

In their messages of goodwill, Abom Tony Esu and Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien felicitated with the Council Chairman, praying for God’s continued protection, strength and grace as he leads the Local Government. They also used the occasion to announce their intention to support the Council Choir, promising to provide two sets of uniforms for the choir for its subsequent renditions.

The celebration ended on a note of thanksgiving, fellowship and renewed commitment to service, as the Chairman's birthday became more than a personal milestone but an occasion to reflect on faith, community development and the responsibilities of leadership.

Otobong Eshiet
10/8/2026