Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom — June 20, 2025
In a heartwarming demonstration of compassion-driven governance, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has launched another phase of the Arise Compassionate Homes initiative, with the latest handover taking place in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. The event marked a significant milestone in the governor’s ambitious target to deliver 400 fully furnished homes to the most vulnerable residents across the 368 political wards of the state before 2027.
With 205 homes already completed within just two years of his administration, the delivery of this new batch reaffirms the governor’s firm commitment to inclusive development and social upliftment.
On Thursday, the spotlight fell on Mr. Sunday Etim Obot, a person with physical disability and a father of six from Nda Nsit community, who was gifted a modern two-bedroom bungalow and a N500,000 business support grant. Until this life-changing intervention, Mr. Obot and his children had lived in a crumbling thatched house under extremely difficult conditions.
The joy and emotion were palpable as Mr. Obot, overwhelmed by gratitude, described the gift as “a miracle” and offered heartfelt prayers for Governor Eno and his family, calling him “a true servant of the people.”
Representing the governor at the well-attended event was the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Emem Ibanga, who reiterated the administration’s unwavering resolve to uplift the downtrodden and restore dignity to the most marginalized citizens.
“Today, we are not only handing over a home; we are restoring hope, dignity, and a future to a family that had been forgotten. This is the spirit of the Arise Agenda. Governor Eno’s leadership is people-oriented, and we are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Ibanga stated.
She revealed that the Nsit Atai Local Government Area alone has so far benefitted from six compassionate homes, with more to come. Dr. Ibanga, who hails from the area, seized the opportunity to thank her people for their unflinching support for Governor Eno since he assumed office and encouraged continued loyalty and prayers for the administration to deliver more life-transforming projects.
Giving an overview of the project, Mr. Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, described the Arise Compassionate Homes as a revolutionary intervention in the state’s social protection architecture. Each home, he noted, is tastefully furnished and equipped with solar-powered amenities, 24-hour electricity, a detached kitchen, and modern household appliances — all at no cost to the beneficiaries.
“This is not charity; this is justice and inclusion. The Arise Compassionate Homes symbolize a shift in governance—where the most vulnerable are not just seen, but prioritized,” Umoekpo added.
Also speaking at the occasion, Hon. Tony Nyong, Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai LGA, praised Governor Eno for his relentless commitment to grassroots development. He highlighted key infrastructure projects the governor has initiated in the area, including the Primary Health Centre, Odot-Ikot Uboh Road, the Nsit Atai–Okobo dual carriageway, the ongoing construction of Ikot Essien Road, and the newly established Model Primary School in Ikot Akpabio.
“Governor Eno is not just building roads and schools; he is building lives,” Nyong emphasized.
Another notable speaker, Mr. Ubong Ikpe, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), hailed the governor as “an apostle of inclusion.” He disclosed that under Mr. Eno’s administration, three persons living with disabilities have been appointed into key government positions while more than 3,000 have been enrolled into the flagship ARISE Care Programme — a welfare scheme designed to provide social safety nets for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
“The narrative is changing. Today, PWDs are being seen, heard, and supported in Akwa Ibom like never before,” Ikpe affirmed.
The handover ceremony was graced by a wide array of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, women groups, civil society actors, and well-wishers from across the local government area and beyond. The event further underscored the growing popularity and grassroots support for Governor Eno’s people-centered agenda.
With 195 homes left to achieve the 400-home target by 2027, the Arise Compassionate Homes initiative continues to serve as a model for social equity, dignity restoration, and inclusive development. Governor Eno’s administration is steadily carving a niche as one that delivers not just infrastructure but human impact — one home, one life at a time.
As the sun set over Nda Nsit, the new home gleamed under the solar-powered lights — a symbol of hope, renewal, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
