The Akwa Ibom State government has expressed optimism that prevailing socio-economic challenges confronting residents will give way to improved prosperity and food security through sustained humanitarian interventions.
Key Highlights
- Akwa Ibom says sustained humanitarian interventions will bring prosperity and food security.
- Commissioner Emem Ibanga says the Eno administration has invested billions of naira in intervention programmes over three years.
- EL ZAIN Women, Children and Peace Development Initiative launched in Uyo.
- 20 women selected for the initiative’s micro-business grant scheme.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, gave the assurance at the weekend during the launch of the EL ZAIN Women, Children and Peace Development Initiative in Uyo, the state capital.
ARISE Agenda Places Humanitarian Services At Centre Of Governance
Ibanga reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Umo Eno’s administration to placing humanitarian services at the centre of governance through the state’s ARISE Agenda, which she described as a framework for addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals and families.
She said the government has invested billions of naira in various intervention programmes over the past three years to improve the welfare of residents and support disadvantaged groups.
According to the commissioner, the administration’s humanitarian governance model is designed to integrate vulnerable and economically disadvantaged citizens into the state’s development process while ensuring that their needs are addressed promptly.
She listed the government’s interventions to include measures to tackle food insecurity, support vulnerable households, provide accommodation for disadvantaged families, empower women and young people, assist elderly citizens, promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities, and respond to emergencies and disasters.
Ibanga said the establishment of a separate Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs further demonstrates the governor’s commitment to coordinating humanitarian interventions, strengthening social protection and ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families receive organised and timely assistance.
She commended the EL ZAIN Women, Children and Peace Development Initiative for its contribution to humanitarian services and urged its leadership to sustain its partnership with the ministry.
The commissioner noted that the initiative had registered with the ministry and encouraged its leadership to align its programmes with the state government’s humanitarian priorities and coordination framework.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Paul Usoro, commended the husband of the initiative’s founder for his support towards the realisation of the project.
He described the support as a practical demonstration of the organisation’s slogan, “Love in Action,” and called on individuals and organisations to contribute to its activities through prayers, material assistance and other forms of support.
Usoro said humanitarian service requires collective commitment, urging stakeholders to support the initiative’s vision of building a society where women are empowered, children have opportunities to fulfil their potential, and communities resolve conflicts through dialogue and understanding.
Read also:
- Akwa Ibom Distributes Relief Materials To Flood Victims In 4 LGs
- Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Signs 14 Landmark Bills Into Law to Boost ARISE Agenda
- FG Launches $1bn HOPE-SP To Move Humanitarian Support Beyond Palliatives
Founder Unveils Grants, Educational Awards
The founder of the initiative, Zeinab Akpan, described its launch as the beginning of a new chapter in humanitarian assistance and care.
She said the initiative emerged from years of engagement with less privileged individuals, during which she and her husband supported vulnerable people, listened to their concerns and offered guidance aimed at restoring hope.
Akpan explained that her experience as acting President of the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA) further strengthened her resolve to establish a structured platform for humanitarian intervention.
She said the experience helped her refine the organisation’s objectives and transform the initial concept into a formal programme focused on empowering women, nurturing children, promoting peace, encouraging self-reliance and advancing education and dialogue.
According to her, the initiative is associated with the Institute of Public Policy and Diplomacy Research (IPPDR), New York, and aligns its activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality, education and peace.
Akpan identified micro-business grants, healthcare assistance, support for hospital bills, educational interventions and childcare support as some of the initiative’s areas of focus.
She disclosed that 20 women had emerged through a selection process for the micro-business grant scheme.
The initiative, she added, would also introduce educational awards for pupils who finish in the first, second and third positions, alongside other support programmes to be implemented across various local government areas of the state.
Describing Governor Eno as a leading humanitarian in Akwa Ibom, Akpan expressed appreciation to the governor for sustaining peace in the state and commended the commissioner for her encouragement and support.
She urged individuals and organisations not to leave the welfare of vulnerable people to chance but to take practical steps towards improving their lives.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of EL ZAIN, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan (rtd.), said the founder’s difficult childhood experiences inspired the establishment of the initiative.
He expressed gratitude that the vision was becoming a reality and pledged the organisation’s commitment to expanding its humanitarian activities through partnerships with other organisations.
For more news from Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria, follow us on X.
