Office of the SSA to the Governor of AKS on Grassroot Mobilization

IWAUDOFIA REITERATES GOVERNOR UMO ENO’S COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOT DEVELOPMENT

..donates wrappers, food items, cash in celebration of the Governor's 60th birthday

..as grassroots sensitisation team visits Itu LGA

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia, has restated the unwavering commitment of Governor Umo Eno to grassroots development.

The SSA stated this on Tuesday, when he led the Grassroots Team on a visit to Itu Local Government Area, where he donated wrappers, food items, and cash to indigent women above sixty years, in celebration of the Governor's 60th birthday.

While describing Pastor Eno as a grassroots-oriented leader, Comrade Iwaudofia said the Governor was consciously bringing up different programmes to support the vulnerable, citing the ongoing Free Food Programme as one of such initiatives that will improve the lives of Akwa Ibom citizens.

"Pastor Umo Eno is the Governor that God choosed for Akwa Ibom State at a time like this. There is no Governor in Nigeria that is as grassroots-oriented like Governor Umo Eno or that has demonstrated the highest level of empathy like Governor Umo Eno."

"The Governor has established the Bulk Purchase Agency and the Free Food Programme and it is ongoing. I thank you so much for supporting Pastor Umo Eno. We are celebrating a Governor that feels the pains of the people and has taken conscious actions to ameliorate the situation”.

"We are celebrating a Governor that God has sent to bless the people of Akwa Ibom State, a man of God who is both a King and a Priest. We're celebrating a high-performing Governor and a man that has brought golden governance in Akwa Ibom State", he said.

He called on the people to remain steadfast with the current administration in the state, saying that the Governor will continue to touch the different facet of development in the state.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mr. Ime Uwah used the opportunity to enlighten the women about the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme anchored by the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED).

He encouraged the women to apply and be part of the programme when he said will enable them access grants to boost their businesses.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters representing Itu Federal Constituency, Mr. Ubong Wilson, further urged the people to embrace farming and cautioned the youths against vandalising government infrastructures.

Highpoints of the event was the celebration of the Governor's 60th birthday where Iwaudofia donated wrappers, food items and cash to vulnerable women above 60 years in celebration of the Governor's birthday.

Present during the visit were All Ward Personal Assistants to the Governor in Itu Local Government Area led by the Dean of the College, Mr. Richard Antia, Youth Leaders led by the SA to Governor on Youth Matters in Itu Federal Constituency, Mr. Ubong Wilson Nkut, Aide to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Ekemini James, Elders, Women and men amongst others.

Iwaudofia Visits Udung Uko, Says Governor Umo Eno means Well for the Grassroots

In continuation of the grassroots sensitisation tour, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia, on Wednesday paid a visit to grassrooters in Udung Uko Local Government Area to discuss the array of developmental projects and initiatives undertaken by Governor Umo Eno's administration, communicate the Governor's message to them, and also listen to their concerns, challenges, and aspirations.

Held at Edikor Junction, Eyotai Ward 5 in Udung Uko Local Government, the SSA stated that the Governor means well for people at the grassroot and is passionate in his rural development drive, and urged the people to foster such development by remaining steadfast with the State Chief Executive.

The Governor's Aide expressed gratitude to the people of Udung Uko for supporting Governor Umo Eno during the 2023 governorship election in the state, emphasizing that his visit was not for campaign purposes, but rather, to update the residents on government's programmes and initiatives, listen to their challenges, and communicate same to the Governor.

He further highlighted the Governor's commitment to inclusive governance and rural development as evidenced by ongoing projects across all Local Government areas in the state, and equally harped on the Governor's compassionate nature, citing his recent visit to the family of Late Abigail Edith Frederick, who tragically passed away in a boat accident.

"There is no Local Government area that has not been touched by Governor Umo Eno's administration. You can bear witness to the fact that there are ongoing projects in your area as we speak.

"He is an empathetic leader who is concerned about the lives and welfare of the people; one who is passionate about giving hope to people at the grassroot. His birthday is next week Wednesday, and he has implored the good people of Akwa Ibom State to use that day to show love to the needy and the less privileged around them, instead of celebrating him. That's the kind of leader that we have in Pastor Umo Eno," Iwaudofia stated.

Iwaudofia urged the people to return to farming to assist the government in combating hunger in the state, and emphasized the importance of utilizing the fertile lands and abundant water resources in the area.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mr. Ime Uwah, highlighted the importance of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme initiated by the current administration and reiterated the Governor's commitment to fostering business acumen and providing financial support to budding entrepreneurs, stating that Pastor Umo Eno's vision stems from his background as a businessman with a desire for financial independence and self-reliance among the populace.

Acknowledging the hardworking nature of the people of Udung Uko and attributing the development in the area to their diligence, Uwah shared the Governor's plan to take the development to the next level by equipping residents with the necessary knowledge and expertise in fishing and farming to transition from subsistence to commercial levels of operation.

He encouraged the people of Udung Uko to take advantage of Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (EAP) aimed at enhancing business skills, adding that successful trainees would receive a startup grant of 500,000 Naira, with plans for the disbursements to 800 successful graduands coming up next month.

Uwah further urged the people to enroll in the programme regardless of their political affiliations, as long as they own businesses in the state.

Beyond the startup grant, Uwah noted a collaboration between Governor Umo Eno and the Bank of Industry to provide loans without collateral, emphasizing the Governor's commitment to facilitating access to financial resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"The Governor has given me the mandate to help you access the money, but you have to start by enrolling in the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme.

"I will work with the Dean and all Ward PAs and send the registration link to them so they can send it to you. I want you to implore every son and daughter of Udung Uko to participate in the programme so development can come to Udung Uko," Uwah stated.

On his part, Dean of Ward Personal Assistants in Udung Uko Local Government Area, Prince Lord Joe, commended the Governor for his superlative performance since the inception of his administration, adding that God ordained and sent him to the people of Akwa Ibom at the right time.

He described the Governor as a humble and God-fearing leader, and lauded him for appointing Ward PAs in all the Wards in Udung Uko Local Government Area.

Speaking further, He cited the ongoing construction of a model hospital in area, adding that, Oron nation has felt the impact of the current administration and that Governor Umo Eno deserves to lead for eight years.

The well-attended event featured; interactive session, goodwill messages, vote of confidence passed on the Governor by the people, a visit to the ongoing Udung Uko model hospital constructed by the Governor and a visit to the Council Secretariat where the team were impressed by the development undertaken by the Chairman, Hon. Godwin Okpono.

Speaking during the team visit to Council Secretariat, the Chairman, Hon. Okpono applauded the Governor for running an all-inclusive government where young people are given opportunity to thrive, adding that, the Governor doesn't need any campaign in Udung Uko when campaigning for second term.

Dignitaries who attended the meeting include; All Ward Personal Assistant in Udung Uko Local Government Area led by the Dean of the College, Prince Lord Joe, Aide to the Governor on New Media, Mr. Ekemini James, NULGE Chairman of Udung Uko, Rapheal Obiosio, Dean of Supervisors in Udung Uko, Comrade Victor Idung, Elders, Men, Women and Youth Leaders.

2023: Get Your PVCs, Iwaudofia Urges Christians

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Matters, Comrade Aniefiok Wilson Iwaudofia, has urged eligible christians to register and get their Permanent Voter's Card (PVCs) in order to participate in the 2023 general elections.

The SSA stated this on Sunday, while Speaking at the June edition of Akwa Ibom Youth Prayer Conference, held at Mind of Christ Assembly, Atan Offot Road, Uyo LGA.

He said there was need for churches and religious bodies to take active part in decision-making processes by encouraging members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter's Card from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Governor's Aide who doubles as Chairman, Akwa Ibom Youth Caucus said it was wrong for Christians to play passive roles during electioneering period, insisting the task of electing God-fearing and quality leaders was the responsibility of the church.

"We came here this morning to thank God for His grace and to also commit ourselves to Him, especially, this period. We appreciate the prayers and support of the church, especially, to the current administration.

"But let me point out here that the job of electing good leaders, leaders with the fear of God, is basically the duty of Christians. We can't call ourselves Christians and allow people who don't have the interest of the people at heart to rule us. When we have good leaders, we have peace and development.

"We must decide who leads us. As a church, we should include voter sensitisation as part of our evangelism programmes. As we go out to covert souls to Christ, let us also tell them to go out there, register and obtain their PVCs", he said.

He scored the current administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel high in the areas of peace and youth development and assured that the next administration of Pastor Umo Eno will continue to prioritise the welfare of young people in the state.

Earlier in his homily drawn from Philippians 4:6-7, the General Oversea of the Church, Pastor (Dr.) Asuquo Eshiet, reminded Christians of the efficacy prayers and supplication, especially, during trying times.

The Man of God commended Comrade Iwaudofia and his team for sustaining the Prayer Conference and proclaimed God's blessings on the state and the administration of Governor Emmanuel.

The Service moderated by the Chairman, Youth Prays Committee, Mr. Christopher Jerry, featured prayer session, choir rendition, worship session, goodwill messages and recitation of the Dakkada Creed.