Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has appointed Obong Nsima Ekere as its Patron.
Ekere is the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He also previously served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The group announced the appointment on Friday.
The event took place at the Ikot Abasi council secretariat. Specifically, the group held it during their local chapter inauguration.
President General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, made the announcement.
The former governorship candidate of the APC in 2019, Ekere will take office officially on April 18, 2026.
The group will hold the event at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The stadium is in Uyo. It will happen during the grand finale of their inauguration tour.
Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative exists primarily to canvass support. They support President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid. They also support Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Additionally, they support Governor Umo Eno.
The group will also support other APC candidates. This applies to those who emerge for elective offices. That will happen ahead of the 2027 elections.
About Nsima Ekere
WahalaUpdate understands that Nsima Ekere was born on May 29, 1965. He was born in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State. Notably, Democracy Day shares his birthday.
He attended Regina Coeli College in Essene. Later, he completed his studies at Mary Knoll College in Ogoja.
Ekere earned a B.Sc. in Estate Management. He obtained it from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Additionally, he holds several professional valuation certifications.
A Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Similarly, he registered with the ESVRBN of Nigeria.
He started his political career in December 1997. Specifically, he won a seat in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. There, he ran on the GDM platform.
Former Head of State Sani Abacha died in June 1998. As a result, that transition collapsed. Consequently, they never inaugurated him.
Ekere later joined the PDP. Then, he emerged as Deputy Governor on May 29, 2011. However, he resigned on personal grounds on October 31, 2012.
Before entering public service, he built a successful private career. First, he set up Gassons Nigeria Limited in 1989. The company specialized in anti-corrosion and engineering services.
In 1993, he started Ekere and Associates. The firm provided estate valuation and real estate consulting. He opened offices in Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo.
He holds substantial interests in several publicly quoted companies. Ekere also served as Executive Chairman of AKIIPOC in March 2008. Specifically, AKIIPOC handles investments for Akwa Ibom State.
Today, he continues to influence Nigerian politics and business.
