By Ekaette Okon Joseph
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno’s administration is expanding humanitarian support through a partnership-driven model that combines government coordination with the expertise, funding, and technology of external partners.
According to the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, FCIPA, the model brings together faith-based organisations, development partners, and the private sector to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), women, youth, and other vulnerable groups across the state’s 31 local government areas.
One example is the Fourth Thursday Assistive Mobility Clinic, where Persons with Disabilities who are unable to walk undergo clinical assessments to ensure that every mobility aid provided matches their physical condition and specific mobility needs.
The clinic is offered free of charge, and beneficiaries do not pay at any stage of the process.
Ibanga said the monthly outreach is fully funded by Governor Umo Eno, PhD, as part of his administration’s commitment to promoting inclusion and restoring dignity to Persons with Disabilities.
Skilled technicians trained through the Assistive Mobility Device Coupling Training, facilitated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government, assemble, customise, and adjust each wheelchair and walking aid to suit the needs of individual beneficiaries.
According to Ibanga, a total of 444 Persons with Disabilities have received wheelchairs and mobility devices through the partnership, following the donation of 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking aids by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
She noted that the donation reflects the Church’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through humanitarian service.
Ibanga added that Governor Umo Eno personally facilitated the clearance of the consignments to ensure the equipment reached beneficiaries without delay.
She further disclosed that physiotherapists from Uganda were engaged to train participants in international best practices for assembling and adapting assistive mobility devices.
According to her, the training has also provided young participants with a career pathway in rehabilitation services, a field that is still developing in Nigeria.
As Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Ibanga coordinates these partnerships by aligning the interests of development partners, faith-based organisations, corporate institutions, and government agencies with the vision of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
That coordinating role was recently demonstrated when the leadership of Jobberman Nigeria paid her a courtesy visit.
“I welcomed the delegation led by its Country Head of Programmes, Mr. Olamide Adeyeye, on a courtesy visit to our Ministry.
“Our engagement focused on building stronger partnerships that will improve livelihoods and create more opportunities for vulnerable groups across the state,” Ibanga said.
According to her, the discussions focused on five key priorities: expanding youth employment and employability programmes; supporting skills development and economic empowerment for young people; promoting inclusive opportunities for Persons with Disabilities; exploring Jobberman’s participation in the forthcoming Humanitarian Day and Humanitarian Roundtable; and aligning future programmes with the state’s humanitarian priorities.
Ibanga commended Jobberman Nigeria for its commitment to youth development and acknowledged its positive grassroots impact in Akwa Ibom State since it commenced operations in the state in 2023.
“As a government, we recognise that meaningful and sustainable development is achieved through collaboration.
“We look forward to working more closely with Jobberman Nigeria to expand opportunities for our young people, strengthen livelihoods, and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens in line with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Ibanga said.
She also said the state’s ARISE Free Food Security Programme continues to support vulnerable households as part of a broader effort under the ARISE Agenda to make humanitarian assistance an ongoing system of support rather than a one-time intervention.
Ibanga further stated that the Ministry is inviting corporate organisations, development partners, and faith-based institutions to join the state’s humanitarian coalition in expanding opportunities and improving the lives of vulnerable citizens across Akwa Ibom State.