…as Humanitarian Affairs Minister undertakes field assessment of Eastern Obolo communities
Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to sustainable poverty reduction and inclusive social development under the ARISE Agenda.
The commitment was reaffirmed on Thursday during the ministerial field assessment visit by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, to host communities in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
Welcoming the Minister on behalf of Governor, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the visit as a significant demonstration of the Federal Government’s concern for the welfare of the people of Akwa Ibom State, particularly vulnerable communities in the riverine areas.
Princess Ibanga commended him for choosing to personally visit the communities rather than relying solely on official reports. According to the Commissioner, the visit reflects true servant leadership and underscores the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to addressing poverty through direct engagement with affected communities. She noted that under the purposeful and compassionate leadership of Governor Umo Eno, poverty reduction remains a major priority of the State Government through the ARISE Agenda, with strategic investments in social protection, food security, economic empowerment, skills acquisition and sustainable livelihood programmes aimed at restoring hope to vulnerable citizens.
The Commissioner stressed that government alone cannot eliminate poverty, emphasizing that interventions of the federal government and development partners would significantly complement the efforts of the Akwa Ibom State Government in building resilient communities and improving the wellbeing of the people.
Princess Ibanga also appealed to corporate organisations, particularly companies operating within host communities, to align their investments and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives with the aspirations and developmental needs of their host communities, noting that sustainable development is only achievable when businesses grow alongside the communities in which they operate.
She further appreciated the people and stakeholders of Eastern Obolo for their warm reception and cooperation throughout the Minister’s visit, expressing confidence that the assessment would translate into impactful interventions capable of transforming lives and strengthening sustainable livelihoods across the area.
Speaking after an extensive tour of the riverine settlements and host communities, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Mohammed Doro, said President Bola Tinubu directed him to undertake the field assessment to enable the Federal Government obtain first-hand information on the living conditions of the people and the impact of oil exploration activities on their livelihoods.
The Minister explained that he deliberately visited the hinterlands and creeks to personally assess the level of poverty, deprivation and vulnerability confronting residents, stressing that what he witnessed would provide valuable data for policy formulation, budgeting and humanitarian interventions by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Describing the living conditions of many residents as deeply concerning, Dr. Doro expressed sadness over the absence of basic social amenities and the high level of vulnerability in the area. He reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu places premium emphasis on human capital development and poverty reduction, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities across the country.
Earlier, the Chairman of Eastern Obolo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Samuel Nteogwuijah, described the Minister’s visit as a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians through people-centred humanitarian interventions and poverty reduction initiatives.
The Council Chairman observed that the visit presents another opportunity to strengthen collaboration among the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State government, Eastern Obolo Local Government Council and international oil and industrial companies operating within the area in delivering meaningful programmes targeted at women, youths, the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Eastern Obolo, His Royal Majesty, Chief Harry John Etetor, alongside community stakeholders including the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor and former lawmaker, Dr. Charles Mbong, youth representative, Comrade Roland Peter, Women representatives and other community leaders, commended the Minister for personally visiting the area to assess the realities confronting the people.
The stakeholders equally applauded Governor Eno for constructing the only access road linking Eastern Obolo to the rest of the State, describing the project as a major milestone in opening up the area for socio-economic development. They appealed to the Federal Government to attract federal projects and institutions to Eastern Obolo while urging oil companies operating within the area to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility obligations by investing more in infrastructure, education, healthcare, skills development and other community-based development initiatives.
The Minister’s visit also included a courtesy call on Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO), where discussions centred on strengthening partnerships between government and the private sector towards advancing sustainable poverty reduction and improving the welfare of host communities.
