The sleepy community of Ibioto Ekpene Ituen in Etinan local government area came alive with wild jubilation as Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, gave a house to a widow, Madam Ekaette John iKon, and scholarship to her daughter, Miss Unwana IKon.
Under the Arise Compassionate Home (ACH), a pet project of his late wife, Patience Eno, the governor has been building and delivering free houses to indigent widows across the 31 LGAs. The latest house was the 9th in the series in Etinan LGA.
Delivering the house to the beneficiary, the governor’s representative and special adviser on Political Affairs and Social Reorientation, Barr Kufre Udosen, said the governor’s magnanimity was compelled by the prevailing socio-economic challenges, especially for the very poor and the downtrodden.
He also awarded a full university scholarship to her daughter, Unwana Ikon.
Delivering the governor’s message, Barr Udosen praised the Etinan electorates for their support of the ARISE agenda and assured them of more democracy dividends. He said the Arise home initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting social welfare.
The governor’s representative also handed a business grant of N500,000 alongside a deed of gift to the beneficiary.
Responding, the chairman of Etinan LGA, Hon. Uko Umoh, thanked Governor Eno for prioritising Etinan in his administration. He further presented Madam Ikon with a television set and gas cooker to complement the governor’s gesture.
Giving an overview of the project, the special assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikan-Abasi Umoekpo, recounted the ordeals of Madam Ikon and described the home as a tastefully furnished two-bedroom bungalow with solar-powered water and electricity.
At the event, the vice chairman of Etinan, Hon. Imaobong Michael, the Ward PA, Evang. Aniefiok Titus, Councillor Hon. Ekerette Umoh, and the Village Head, Obong Samuel Etukakpan, also offered goodwill messages and support to the widow. They all praised the governor for his people-driven developmental strides in Etinan and the state in general.
In her vote of thanks, the beneficiary, visibly overwhelmed with gratitude, thanked Governor Eno for the life-changing gift. She also thanked Barr Udosen for the scholarship award to her daughter, which, according to her, guarantees a brighter future for the young one.
