By E Samuel Essien
The Akwa Ibom State Government has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes in the diaspora to actively participate in its expanding social-care programs, particularly the fast-developing ARISE Senior Citizens Centre (ASCC) in Uyo—one of Governor Umo Eno’s flagship humanitarian initiatives designed to uplift elderly and vulnerable populations across the state.
This call was reinforced on Monday, December 1, 2025, when the Delivery Advisor to the Governor on ASCC, Dr. Mrs. Itanwan James, hosted Hon. Linda Akon Umoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs, at the Centre Hon. Umoh, who, accompanied by Obonganwan Mary Umoette, Alfred Bassey, and two others, visited the facility as part of her tour of Governor Eno’s people-centered social investment projects where the Akwa Ibom Diaspora can play critical roles.
During the inspection tour, Dr. James conducted the delegation around the facility—still undergoing completion ahead of its commissioning in the first quarter of 2026—and outlined its philosophy, design, and long-term vision.
According to Dr. James, the ASCC stands as a legacy project inspired by the late First Lady, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, whose compassion for the elderly shaped the early blueprint of the Centre.
“In honor of the late First Lady’s memory, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, approved the establishment of this Centre,” she said. “It will be expanded to all three senatorial districts, ensuring that elderly persons across Akwa Ibom have a safe place where their medical, social, recreational, and emotional needs are met.”
The facility—designed to international standards—will feature a recreational park, an on-site full-fledged Clinic, chapel, restaurant, electronic library, supermarket, an indoor game area, and a Gymnasium. It aims to provide a one-stop, full-fledged care environment for senior citizens, especially those without immediate family support.
Dr. James noted that the Centre’s guiding values are captured in the acronym RECITE—Respect, Empathy, Compassion, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence. Preparations for staff training are underway to ensure that workers embody a culture of dignity and kindness toward the elderly.
Hon. Linda Umoh commended Dr. James and her team on “remarkable progress in bringing the governor’s vision to life,” and emphasized that the Akwa Ibom Diaspora Health Professionals (ADHP) and broader diaspora community stand ready for partnership in critical areas such as geriatric care, telemedicine, capacity building, and wellness programs.
“We believe this Centre offers a unique opportunity for diaspora professionals to give back meaningfully, especially in areas where their expertise can help bridge service gaps for elderly and rural populations,” she said.
With rising interest from Akwa Ibomites abroad, the Centre is developing a structured diaspora engagement strategy that will address:
✓ culturally sensitive care
✓ emotional and psychosocial support for elders
✓ remote family engagement through technology
✓ transparency in service delivery
✓ tailored care packages for diaspora families with aging parents back home
✓ long-term sustainability planning
Officials also acknowledged potential challenges—such as distance, communication gaps, and trust concerns—but emphasized that these will be tackled through digital platforms, regular reporting, and systemized collaboration with recognized diaspora groups.
As the state prepares for the Centre’s 2026 opening, Dr. James sent a heartfelt message to Akwa Ibomites worldwide:
“We want the diaspora to see this as their project too. Your parents, your relatives, and your heritage are here. Come partner with us to give our senior citizens the comfort and dignity they deserve.”
With its planned expansion to all senatorial districts and its commitment to global best practices, the ARISE Senior Citizens Centre is poised to become Nigeria’s model elderly-care institution, and a strong bridge between the home community and Akwa Ibom’s globally dispersed sons and daughters.
