By Ekemini James
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has extended his benevolence to neighbouring Cross River State by handing over a newly built and fully-furnished three-bedroom bungalow to Mr. Ubi Obono Abam, the father of Miss Arit Abam, an ex-corps member from Ugep, Cross River State.
Miss Abam’s story went viral after she posted a video honouring her father for his sacrifices after returning from national service with the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC.Governor Eno who saw the trending video with the dilapidated condition of the man’s building was moved by her actions and decided to build a house for her family.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN, the Governor on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, handed over the house documents and a business support grant of N500,000 naira to help the beneficiary in his farming business.
He commended the father of the ex-corps member, saying, “I am very proud of you; if you hadn’t raised your daughter with such values, we wouldn’t be here today.”
On his part, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu who was represented by his Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Helen Isamoh Egodo, described the gesture as a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood, unity, and shared value between the people of Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
“A big thank you to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno. God will replenish you a million times for this remarkable and compassionate home for Mr. Ubi and his family. It is not just an act of charity but a shinning example of what it means to be a good neighbour. You have shown that our shared heritage goes beyond boundaries and that in time of need, we can stand by each other,” He said.
In his overview of the project, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, described the building as a well-furnished three-bedroom bungalow, equipped with a solar power borehole, 24-hour solar power electricity, an external kitchen, and a fully fenced compound.
Umoekpo revealed that the Governor has completed 36 of such projects, which have already been handed over to beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State. He also hinted that an additional 164 of such projects are nearing completion.
Umoekpo shared the story of how the Governor was moved by a viral video and decided to take action. He explained that the Governor’s team traced the young lady in the video to where she served in Bayelsa State, where they obtained her home address.
In goodwill messages from Stakeholders in the Community including; the Paramount Ruler of Yakuur Local Government Area, HRM Obolo Ofem U. Eteng, former Special Adviser to President Muhammad Buhari, Barr. Okoi Obla, Head of Yakurr Local Government Area, Mrs. Rita Egbe, Governor Eno was commended for his compassionate heart and dedication to improving the lives of those in need. The stakeholders prayed for God’s unending blessings on the Governor and his family.
While expressing gratitude, the beneficiary, Mr. Ubi Obono Abam, and his daughter, Arit, commended Governor Umo Eno for his kind gesture. Arit said if someone had told her the video will turn out this way, she wouldn’t have believed it.
She prayed for God’s continuous blessing on Pastor Umo Eno and his family and also appreciated the Governor of Cross River State for giving her automatic employment in the State Civil Service.
The ceremony which also featured visit to the Paramount Ruler of Yakuur at his Palace was attended by top government dignitaries including; Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Environment & Mineral Resources, Chief Uno Etim Uno, Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Orman Esin, Commissioner for Internal Security, General Koko Essien (rtd), Transition Chairman, Eket Local Government Area, Hon. Akan Tommy, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties/ Team Lead Direct Labour Committee, Barr. Morgan Ekanem, among others.
