Dr. Essien Ndueso, (3rd from left) with some of the participants.
…Pays Glowing Tributes to Late Dr Uwemedimo Umanah
By Chisom Favour and Mary Etim
The Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ekefre Ndueso, has reaffirmed that Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s leadership is deeply rooted in people-centered governance, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, compassion, and participatory development.
He made this known during the grand finale of the ARISE Online Quiz Contest, an initiative of CityWatch Newspaper designed to deepen civic awareness and promote public engagement with the government’s development blueprint — the ARISE Agenda.
Dr. Ndueso commended the participants and organizers for championing civic education among young people and creating a platform that encourages active discourse around governance.
He noted that the Governor’s administration is guided by a sincere desire to uplift the lives of the people and ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making.
Reinforcing this vision, he pointed to the ongoing constituency briefings, where citizens have direct engagement with their representatives.
According to him, these engagements are helping to shape the state’s developmental focus.
He also revealed that the theme for next year’s state budget will be, “The People’s Budget,” reflecting Governor Eno’s resolve to gather and prioritize input from across communities and constituencies in the state.
“His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, is a compassionate and selfless leader, deeply intentional about the people,” Dr. Ndueso stated. “From the ARISE Compassionate Homes to the ARISE Park, and the completion of the Ibom Convention Centre and Hotel, his administration is setting a new benchmark for inclusive development.”
The event also served as a moment of reminiscence, as Dr. Ndueso paid tributes to the late Dr. Uwemedimo Umanah, founder of CityWatch Newspaper.
He described him as a tireless advocate of good governance and a loyal supporter of the administration whose legacy still echoes in the civic space. “He is dearly missed by all, including His Excellency, the Governor,” he added.
Winners of the ARISE Online Quiz were also celebrated during the event.
Francisca Eamon Idiong emerged as the overall winner, while Confidence Ezekiel and Akaninyene Udoki were named first and second runners-up respectively.
