Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

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04/09/2026

Inmates of QIC Leprosy Hospital, Etinan Benefit from Fourth-Phase of ARISE Food Support

Governor Umo Eno, has continued to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), with the delivery of 200 bags of rice and beans to inmates of QIC Leprosy Hospital, Etinan, under the Fourth-Phase of ARISE Free Food Programme.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, stated this on Friday, September 4, 2026, during a visit to the facility at Ekpene Obom, Etinan Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, the Commissioner said the visit was to deliver 200 bags of rice and beans allocated to inmates of the facility under the Fourth Phase of the ARISE Free Food Security Programme.

Princess Ibanga explained that the programme, initiated by Governor Eno, was designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship by providing food support to vulnerable citizens across the state.

She said following the distribution of food items across the 31 local government areas, the ministry resolved to deliver the allocation for the QIC Leprosy Hospital directly to the facility because of the transportation challenges inmates, particularly PWDs, could face in reaching designated collection points.

The Commissioner described the gesture as further evidence that Governor Eno is concerned about the welfare of vulnerable persons and PWDs, assuring the inmates that the ministry would continue to visit and support them.

She urged the hospital management to ensure equitable distribution of the 200 bags of rice and beans among the beneficiaries, noting that matters concerning PWDs are domiciled in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

Princess Ibanga also reminded the beneficiaries that the Governor had declared September as the Month of Gratitude, urging them to use the period to thank God for His faithfulness and the blessings recorded in Akwa Ibom State, while praying for and supporting the administration.

Welcoming the delegation, the Secretary of the QIC Leprosy Hospital, Elder Etorobong Inok, thanked Governor Eno for remembering the inmates and said the visit reaffirmed the State government’s concern for their welfare. He described the donation as timely relief and appealed for further support for the facility.

In his goodwill message, the Governor’s Personal Assistant on Persons With Disabilities, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, said the intervention demonstrated Governor Eno’s commitment to PWDs and inclusive governance. He said direct delivery was necessary because of the transportation difficulties faced by the beneficiaries.

Comrade Ikpe urged the inmates to continue supporting the administration and encouraged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them participate in the forthcoming elections.

Similarly, the Chairman of IDEA Cluster, Mr. Ntiedo Udo, commended the Governor for consistently including vulnerable and disadvantaged persons in government palliative programmes.

Mr. Udo appealed for the continued inclusion of the group in future interventions and assured the Governor of their support, particularly at the polls, while praying for God’s continued blessings upon him.

Also present were the facility’s Chaplain, Rev. Imo Thompson, hospital staff and inmates.

Information/PR Unit
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
September 4, 2026

03/09/2026

Princess Ibanga Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Ikot Ekpene

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has flagged off a two-day free medical outreach for residents of Nkap Community and neighbouring areas in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

The outreach, sponsored by the immediate past Transition Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Sir (Hon.) John Etim, was flagged off on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at St. John’s Medical Centre, Ikot Ekpene.

The initiative is aimed at providing residents with access to essential healthcare services, including medical consultations, diagnosis, treatment, medications and other medical interventions at no cost.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner commended Sir John Etim for the initiative, describing it as a worthy humanitarian intervention that would help ease the burden of accessing healthcare, particularly for people who may not have the financial capacity to meet their medical needs.

She emphasised the importance of initiatives that prioritise the welfare of the people, noting that improved access to healthcare remains critical to building healthy and resilient communities.

Princess Ibanga encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the outreach and expressed appreciation to the sponsor, the medical team and other stakeholders for their contributions towards improving the wellbeing of the people.

Speaking on the initiative, Sir John Etim said the outreach was borne out of his concern for the welfare and good health of his people, noting that access to quality healthcare remains essential to building a healthy and productive society.

He expressed appreciation to the management of St. John’s Medical Centre, Ikot Ekpene, for partnering with him to make the exercise possible, as well as other individuals and stakeholders who supported the initiative.

Sir John Etim disclosed that qualified doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and other healthcare professionals had been assembled to provide the necessary services throughout the two-day exercise.

Earlier, The Team Lead of the outreach, Dr. Etim Udowana, commended Sir John Etim for sponsoring the programme and for his continued commitment to humanitarian service. He acknowledged his various interventions aimed at improving the lives of people in the area and expressed confidence in the successful completion of the exercise.

Also speaking, the International President of the Golden Mandate Initiative, Otuekong (Dr.) Anthony Umana (KSM), applauded the initiative, describing it as another demonstration of Sir John Etim’s commitment to positively impacting the lives of the people.

The outreach recorded over 200 beneficiaries on its first day, with residents expressing appreciation for the opportunity to access essential medical services free of charge and closer to their communities.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Hon. Eteyen Uko, Hon. Barr. Essienubong Essien, Mr. Anthony Etim, the General Manager of the Akwa Ibom State Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Etim, community leaders, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.

03/09/2026

Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Presents Wheelchairs to Disabled Couple in Oruk Anam

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has presented two brand-new wheelchairs to Mr. Nseobong Thompson and his wife, Mrs. Uduak Nseobong, a couple living with disabilities, at Ibesit Anwa Udo Village in Oruk Anam Local Government Area.

The intervention, made on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, followed a social media post drawing attention to the couple, both persons living with disabilities and parents of three children, during the dedication of their last child.

Princess Ibanga said the photograph and story of the couple, which gained widespread attention on social media, prompted her to contact the family and arrange the intervention. She explained that although the presentation did not fall within the Ministry’s regular Assistive Device Clinic Day, special arrangements were made for the wheelchairs to be assembled and delivered to the beneficiaries.

The Commissioner said the gesture reflected Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens and ensuring that no one is left behind.

She noted that the intervention was made possible through the partnership between the State Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which provides assistive devices to persons living with disabilities.

According to her, the partnership has enabled the Ministry to reach more beneficiaries, assuring that the State Government would sustain interventions that promote dignity, independence and inclusion.

The State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mrs. Obonodo IniUko, who was instrumental in bringing the couple’s situation to public attention, said her Better Life for Gender Foundation had a longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable persons and people living with disabilities.

Mrs. IniUko said she encountered the couple’s situation after attending the dedication of their last child at the Apostolic Church on Sunday and subsequently shared their story on social media. She said the post attracted significant attention and went viral, bringing the couple’s plight to the notice of the Commissioner.

She explained that following the post, Aniekere Akpakpan of Comfort FM helped facilitate the connection between the couple and the Commissioner, leading to the intervention.
Mrs. IniUko said the development prompted the Commissioner to contact her and indicate the State Government’s interest in assisting the family.

She said she was initially unsure how quickly government assistance would materialise because of official processes, but was pleasantly surprised when the Commissioner contacted her to confirm whether wheelchairs would be useful to the couple.

She expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens and commended Princess Ibanga for her compassion and swift response, saying the intervention would significantly improve the couple’s mobility and bring them immense joy.

Responding, Mr. Nseobong Thompson thanked God and the Governor for the assistance provided through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. He also appreciated Mrs. IniUko for using her platform to draw attention to his family’s situation and commended Princess Ibanga for what he described as an act of love and compassion.

Mr. Thompson said movement had been difficult for him and his wife before the intervention, adding that the wheelchairs would enable them to move around more independently and with greater ease.

Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, and the Head of Humanitarian Services, Mrs. Unyime Udofia.

Information/PR Unit
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
September 2, 2026

02/09/2026

Princess Ibanga Commends Helen Keller Int’l for Health, Nutrition Interventions in A’Ibom

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has commended Helen Keller International (HKI) for its sustained interventions in health, nutrition and livelihoods for vulnerable persons and households across Akwa Ibom State.

Ibanga gave the commendation on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when she received the HKI delegation led by its Country Director, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

She said the government alone could not address the state’s numerous humanitarian challenges, stressing that strategic partnerships with development organisations were critical to achieving sustainable impact. She also lauded Governor Umo Eno for establishing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and creating an enabling environment for partnerships to thrive, assuring HKI of the Ministry’s continued support.

“The government alone cannot do it, but when you approach a government that is very receptive, collaboration and partnerships will yield good results and impact,” she said.

Ibanga, who described humanitarian service as a responsibility requiring direct community engagement, said her outreach experiences had exposed her to the challenges facing vulnerable families, particularly those struggling to meet basic needs. She identified health and nutrition as key drivers of productivity, noting that deworming, nutrition support and access to healthcare could significantly improve household well-being.

The Commissioner appreciated HKI’s interventions across all 31 Local Government Areas of the state and called for stronger collaboration to scale up successful programmes, noting that where development partners were able to address only part of a challenge, government could provide the neccessary support to expand reach and greater coverage.

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that government support reaches people based on need rather than personal connections, citing the Ministry’s recent support for persons living with disabilities, including the distribution of wheelchairs to vulnerable individuals, as examples of interventions that could restore dignity and transform lives.

Earlier, HKI Country Director, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, said the organisation was in the state to strengthen its partnership with the Ministry and explore additional areas of collaboration. He said HKI implements integrated health, nutrition and livelihood programmes with relevant government agencies, targeting vulnerable households across selected LGAs.

Mohammed disclosed that HKI provides financial and technical support to government-managed health facilities, strengthens referral systems and improves access to treatment for children suffering from malnutrition. He added that the organisation had supported more than 800 women with livelihood opportunities aimed at improving household income, food security and families’ capacity to meet nutritional needs.

He identified relapse among treated malnourished children as a continuing concern, noting that some families lacked adequate food after treatment. He called for stronger integration of humanitarian and livelihood interventions to address the underlying causes of malnutrition.

Mohammed also highlighted HKI’s partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which supports the distribution of multiple micronutrient supplements to pregnant women in targeted communities. He said the supplements contain 15 essential micronutrients in a single daily tablet, simplifying supplementation and improving adherence.

He further disclosed that HKI, in collaboration with the State Government, had addressed health conditions affecting men, including scrotal enlargement, with more than 1,700 cases identified and about 1,260 surgeries conducted by trained state surgeons. He said the intervention had helped beneficiaries regain mobility, dignity and livelihoods, while further collaboration with the Ministry could provide post-treatment livelihood support for those who lost their means of economic support due to the conditions.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Eno Akpan; State Women Leader, APC, Mrs. Obonodo Iniuko; Head of Humanitarian Services, Mrs. Unyime Udofia; Head of Accounts, Dr. Etimfon Ndon, Michael David, Programme Manager; KHI, Mrs. Unyime Ekpoudia, State Coordinator; KHI, and other members of the Helen Keller International team.

Information/PR Unit
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
September 2, 2026

01/09/2026

Princess Ibanga Tasks Staff on Positive Attitude, Intentional Living
..Celebrates Staff members born in August

The Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has charged Staff of the Ministry to be deliberate in their actions, maintain positive attitudes and demonstrate discipline, saying these qualities are essential for effective service delivery.

Princess Ibanga gave the charge on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during the Ministry’s weekly morning devotion where staff members born in the month of August were also celebrated.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Eno Akpan, the Commissioner, while reflecting on some of the messages she had consistently shared with staff, emphasized the need for love for oneself and others, as well as intentionality in all aspects of life.

She urged staff to become more deliberate about their responsibilities, personal development and relationship with others, noting that carelessness could hinder both individual and organisational progress.

The Commissioner further stressed that excellence should be the standard in every responsibility entrusted to an individual, noting that “what is worth doing is worth doing well, while urging staff to cultivate positive attitudes that would enhance the image and effectiveness of the Ministry.

Congratulating the August celebrants, the Commissioner thanked God for the gift of their lives and prayed for greater blessings, favour and fulfilment in the years ahead, expressing confidence that they would live to witness August 2027 in better circumstances and with greater testimonies.

Speaking on behalf of the celebrants, Mr. Christian Otuk expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to witness another birthday in good health and appreciated the Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, management and staff for sustaining the culture of celebrating employees.

Mr. Otuk, who also delivered a brief exhortation titled “It Doesn’t Matter Even When It Matters,” referencing 1 Corinthians 10:12, admonished staff to remain humble, watchful and steadfast in their Christian faith.

He warned against spiritual complacency, stressing the importance of constantly examining one's actions and remaining conscious of one's spiritual standing.

The devotion also featured a health talk and product presentation by representatives of Emiral Global, led by Dcns. Edikan Victor and Obongawan Ofonime Udoinyang.

Other highlights of the devotion included choir ministration, praise and worship, intercessory prayers and cutting of the birthday cake, with special prayers offered for the August celebrants.

Information/PR Unit
Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs
September 1, 2026