The aged widow Madam Iniema Isaac (middle) displaying her ceremonial cheque and assisted by government officials, relatives and others.
By Anietie Akpan
About 16 less privileged families in Akwa Ibom state have so far taken delivery of the Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Compassionate Home Initiative.
In addition to the tastefully furnished homes, the sum of N500,000 is donated by the state government to each of the beneficiaries as business seed fund.
This initiative by Governor Eno is line with his compassionate agenda towards the less privileged in the state spreading homes across the 31 LGAs of the state.
The governor is targeting 400 homes in the 368 Wards of the state at 100 units yearly.
So far 16 of such homes have been built and by the Governor Eno led government and donated to the various beneficiaries in the Wards of Uyo, Ikono, IINI, Ukanafun, Oruk Anam, Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Urue Offong/Oruko, Udung Uko, Oron, Okobo, Ibeno, Esit Eket, ONNA and Eket LGAs.
In the latest of such deliveries, it was all smiles and gratitude at weekend as an aged widow from Ukanafun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state took delivery of the Arise Compassionate Home Initiative.
As it were in other places, the gesture by Governor Eno sparked an outpouring of gratitude among stakeholders, traditional leaders, youths, and women in Ukanafun.
Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, while presenting title documents and N500,000 business support fund to the beneficiary, said the gesture demonstrates the governor’s love for the vulnerable and less privileged members of the society adding that, more of such are coming to Ukanafun.
The beneficiary, Madam Iniema Isaac (middle), on her right and left, State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh and others posing in front of the new home.
The State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, described the governor as the “Golden Governor of PDP” and affirmed the stakeholders’ sentiments on the governor, promising the area’s continued support to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The visibly elated beneficiary, Madam Iniema Isaac, an aged widow from Ikot Akpa-Idem in Ukanafun, in her appreciation of the gesture acknowledged the sudden turnaround her life has experienced through the Compassionate Home Initiative and prayed God’s blessings on Governor Umo Eno.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, who gave an overview of what he described as fully-furnished two bedroom bungalow, said the kindness has changed the widow’s story and restored her dignity.
The Transition Chairman of Ukanafun, Hon. Godwin Ekpe, thanked the governor for various developmental projects in Ukanafun, including a general hospital, model primary school, and road projects and assured the Governor of continuous support from the people.
Others, including the House of Assembly member for the area, Elder Emem Udom, Paramount Ruler, HRM Akuku Amos Daniel Akpan and Mrs. Charity Ido commended the governor’s compassionate disposition towards vulnerable people across the State.
A vulnerable opposition party person in Eyoyekip village of Uruefong Oruko, Madam Ikwo Sunday Emmanuel who also benefited from the initiative, was full of praises for Governor Eno.
Marvelled by the governor’s magnanimity of a brand new home plus N500, 000 cash, Madam Emmanuel, popularly known as Mma Inyang recounted both her journey as an opposition party member and years of living under a very terrible condition of shelter, in her expression of profound gratitude to Governor Eno.
She prayed for the governor’s success and long life as he pilots the affairs of the state.
The Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative is ongoing.
