Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has officially launched its statewide tour, making its first stop in the Ika Local Government Area.
The event, which was held at the Ika Local Government Council Hall, drew a large crowd of government officials, party faithful, and residents of the area.
In his welcome address, Hon. Barr. Utibe Nwoko, Executive Chairman of the Ika Local Government Council, expressed his people’s readiness to work for the party’s success.
He described Ika as a stronghold for the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party was pleased to welcome the initiative to Ika as it commenced its local government tour.
Hon. Nwoko specifically highlighted the developmental strides in Ika, noting that the area has enjoyed the benevolence of Governor Umo Eno, citing projects such as an ICT center and a police station, as well as ongoing construction of roads.
The Chairman also thanked the APC administration for appointing Ika indigenes into key positions at the federal level.
Delivering the keynote speech, the President General of the Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, emphasized that the initiative is solidly built for the All Progressives Congress and its leadership.
He reaffirmed total loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope agenda is transforming the nation; Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for his national leadership; and Governor Umo Eno, for his people-centered policies in Akwa Ibom State.
Okoko described the initiative as a vehicle to consolidate support for the party and ensure that its message of progress reaches every ward and unit. He urged the people to stay faithful, remain committed, and work tirelessly to strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots level, assuring them that their dedication would yield positive results.
“We are not here to campaign; we are rather here in solidarity with President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno, in appreciation of their impactful and progressive leadership. Thank you, Ika, for this show of appreciation,” he added.
Speaking on the strategic importance of the tour, the International Coordinator of the Initiative, Rt. Hon. Udo Kieran, explained that the initiative is designed to connect directly with the people at the grassroots, understand their needs and aspirations, and effectively communicate the progressive policies of the APC administration. He thanked Ika LGA for the support and loyalty.
The event also featured the official inauguration of the Ika Local Government chapter executive of the initiative.
The new executives, sworn in to lead the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts in the area, include Hon. Barr. Utibe Nwoko as Coordinator, Hon. Mrs. Charity Harrison as Deputy Coordinator, and Agnes Johnny as Secretary.
An Advisory Council headed by Engr. Malachy Ukpe was also inaugurated.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, underscored the developmental impact of President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno on Ika, citing strategic appointments and completed projects.
He pointed to his own position and that of the NASC Chairman as proof of inclusive representation, urging residents to reward the administration with overwhelming support in the upcoming elections.
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Saviour Enyekere, represented by Mr. Boniface Ebewo, declared that Ika was no longer a contested territory, expressing confidence that the LGA would deliver a sweeping victory for the APC.
He declared that he is one hundred percent certain that with the support shown, 2027 is already secured
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Mrs. Inibehe Etukudo, also reinforced the commitment of Ika’s women and the broader community to ensuring the APC secures maximum votes in 2027 and beyond.
The spouse of the Executive Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Mrs. Idongesit Utibe Nwoko, also appreciated the APC administration for its “inclusive and progressive governance” and assured the support of the women of the area.
Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby, a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and currently the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Safety, in his remarks, pledged the full support of the advisory council for the Ika chapter’s activities.
Highpoint of the event was the inauguration of the local government chapter executives and advisory council.
The tour later proceeded to Etim Ekpo and Abak LGAs.
