HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS MINISTRY MARKS ONE YEAR OF IMPACT WITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

…as Princess Ibanga donates food items to widows, solar lights to Eket Correctional Centre

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs on Sunday, October 19, 2025, marked its one-year anniversary with a special thanksgiving service, held at the United Evangelical Church, 165 Aka Road, Uyo.

Leading the management and staff of the ministry in the solemn service to express gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the past year, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, was joined by officials of the Akwa Ibom Bulk Purchase Agency (AKBPA), Akwa Ibom State Life Enhancement Agency, parastatals under the supervision of the ministry.

Princess Ibanga, said the thanksgiving was in appreciation to God for His mercy, protection, blessings, and the milestones recorded since the establishment of the ministry by Governor Umo Eno in October 2024.

“We have a Governor who came prepared for the task of governance. His creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs shows his intentional commitment to reaching out to the vulnerable in society.

“Today, we return all glory to God because we would not have achieved what we have without Him. As a ministry, we came humbly to say thank you to God for the many blessings, for touching lives through us, and for keeping every one of us alive. We have not lost anyone in one year, and that is enough reason to be grateful,” she said.

She explained that her emergence as Commissioner was made possible through the compassionate leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, who graciously established the Ministry out of his deep love for humanity and commitment to the welfare of Akwa Ibom people. She recalled that even before he became Governor, Pastor Umo Eno was already actively involved in humanitarian services.

The Commissioner also appreciated the leadership of the host church for aligning its vision with the ministry’s humanitarian ideals. In a gesture of gratitude, she made a financial donation to the church and presented bags of rice to widows in the congregation.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, recalled that she was the first staff member to resume in the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, following her appointment by Governor Umo Eno. She expressed appreciation to the Governor for the trust reposed in her and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting his humanitarian agenda.

The officiating minister, Rev. Dr. Ndifreke Udom, who took his exhortation from Galatians 4:1-5 with the theme, “Total Freedom for More Success,” said that God paid the price for humanity to be free, adding that God has given man the dominion over all things.

Udom emphasized the importance of gratitude, and reminded worshippers that thanksgiving attracts divine increase, noting that “when you thank God for what He has done, you empower Him to do even more.”

The service featured special choral renditions by the ministry’s choir, the United Evangelical Church children’s choir, and the youth choir, as well as intercessory prayers for the Commissioner, the ministry’s staff, and Governor Umo Eno.

As part of activities marking the first anniversary, the ministry earlier held an in-house thanksgiving service at its Nsikak Eduok Avenue office during its Tuesday morning devotion, which featured prayers, worship, and the cutting of the anniversary cake.

Also during the week, the ministry donated five (5) solar-powered street lights to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Eket to improve lighting and security within the facility.

Presenting the donation, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, said the gesture reflects the ministry’s commitment to enhancing safety and welfare in public institutions. She noted that the installation will improve visibility at night and create a more dignified environment for inmates and staff.

Responding to the request, of the Officer-in-Charge, Hon. Ibanga assured that the same would be communicated to the Governor, noting that as a compassionate leader, he will undoubtedly come to their aid.

The Controller of Corrections, Akwa Ibom State Command, CC Frank Okonkwo, commended the Ministry for its partnership, explaining that the Solar lights donated by the ministry will significantly improve night-time visibility, enhance the safety of both staff and inmates, and contribute to creating a more humane and secure environment.

Earlier, the Officer-in-Charge of Eket Correctional Centre, DCC Boniface Momoh, appealed to the Government to consider incorporating inmates who are nearing the completion of their sentences inito the State’s empowerment programmes. He noted that such inclusion would enable them to become useful to themselves, their families, and society upon discharge, as many of them have been rehabilitated and have acquired various skills.

Dignitaries at the church thanksgiving service included the Member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Selina Ukpatu; Commissioners for Women Affairs and social Welfare, Mrs. Inibehe Silas; Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Ubuo Ubuo; Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Eseme Essien; Chairman Bulk Purchase Agency, Rt. Hon Dan Akpan, Permanent Secretaries, General Manager Bulk Purchase Agency, Hon Unyime Etim, Focal Person National Social investment orogramme, Dr. Godwin Akpan

Others were, Executive Secretary Akwa Ibom State Life Enhancement Agency, Mr. Peter Philip, Aides to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Eld. Prince UmoEkpo, Mrs Mfon Isreal, Aides to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, Mrs. Nnene Bassey, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, development partners, family members, and friends of the ministry among others.

When His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, established the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs in Akwa Ibom State one year ago, it was with a clear vision to institutionalize compassion, provide structured care for the vulnerable, and give renewed hope to those who often fall through the cracks of society.

Today, as the Ministry celebrates its first anniversary, that vision has not only come alive but has become a beacon of empathy, inclusion, and coordinated humanitarian response across the State.