RismadarVoice Reporters, May 14, 2026
The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has commended the donation of Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s Compassionate Home in Ikot Edebe, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, describing the gesture as a practical demonstration of empathy, compassion, and service to humanity.
Lady Obareki made the remarks during the inauguration and official handover of the fully furnished bungalow on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, noting that projects associated with the memory and humanitarian ideals of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno remain deeply significant, especially those aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable citizens.
She praised the donor, Elder Iniobong Obot, and his family for what she described as an extraordinary act of generosity and commitment to community development.
According to her, the initiative reflects the enduring legacy of compassion championed by Pastor Patience Umo Eno and aligns with the people-oriented vision of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the project as a practical expression of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social welfare.
She explained that the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative was designed to provide decent shelter for vulnerable persons across the state, adding that the government remains committed to improving the living conditions of the less privileged through targeted intervention programmes.
Princess Ibanga disclosed that out of the 500 ARISE Compassionate Homes proposed by the administration, 438 had already been completed and handed over to beneficiaries across Akwa Ibom State, while work continues on others at different stages of completion.
The Commissioner also applauded Elder Obot for embracing the Governor’s vision and translating it into meaningful impact at the grassroots level.
In his remarks, Elder Iniobong Obot said the project was conceived as a way of sustaining the humanitarian ideals of Governor Umo Eno’s administration, rewarding loyalty among grassroots supporters, and immortalising the memory of Pastor Patience Umo Eno within the community.
He explained that the building, a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow, was donated to a widow, Madam Mandu Okon Ekpang, who previously lived in difficult housing conditions.
An emotional Madam Ekpang expressed gratitude to the donor and the state government, describing the intervention as life-changing and a restoration of dignity for her and her children.
Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Nyong, also commended the donor for the gesture, describing it as an act of selfless service capable of inspiring more community-driven philanthropy within the area.
Also speaking, Member representing Uyo Federal Constituency, Rep. Mark Esset, and Dr Itoro Etim applauded Governor Umo Eno’s administration for the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, which they described as impactful and transformative for vulnerable residents across the state.
They further appreciated the donor for supporting the welfare of vulnerable persons and contributing to the development of the community.
