Etim Ekpo Local Government Area was abuzz on February 19, 2026, as indigenes and political stakeholders gathered in large numbers at the Council Headquarters in Utu Etim Ekpo to witness the inauguration of the Coordinating Committee of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative.
The inauguration, which was attended by members of the group led by President General, Engr. Uwem Okoko, took place at the Council Hall.
Engr. Okoko described the group as symbolic in Akwa Ibom State, noting that the movement is the first of its kind and represents a defining moment for political unity in the state.
According to him, the emergence of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative signifies stability, readiness, and victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
βWith this group, Akwa Ibom State is safe and ready for the elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno will be returned to their offices,β Okoko said.
He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom State would record unprecedented electoral outcomes for the APC.
βWith this group, Akwa Ibom State will return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes. The state will overwhelmingly re-elect Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.
βWhat Governor Umo Eno has done in bringing us together is divine, ordained, and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria,β he added.
In his acceptance remarks, the newly inaugurated Coordinator of the group in Etim Ekpo, Mr. Imaeyen Adolphus, promised to work with members of his committee to deliver on the set goals of the initiative.
Other members of the inaugurated executive committee include Ntiedo George, Ime Umotong, Nnanake Ekeke, Ekemini Raymond, Item Ebebe, Ifiok Amos, Emem Monday, Oliver Idio, Goodnews Obadiah, Seno Etuk, Uwem Otu, Inemesit Okoko, among others.
Also inaugurated was an Advisory Committee led by the Council Chairman, Gideon Uwa, with Elder Nkopuruk Ekaiko serving as Secretary. Setting the tone for the event, the International Coordinator of the group, Sir Udo Kerian Akpan, described the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as the number one political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of the Akwa Ibom people under the APC. He stated that the group is composed of major political stakeholders in the state, united by a common purpose.
Earlier, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Gideon Uwa, who also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Committee, welcomed the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative team and assured that Etim Ekpo is united in one voice for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno, pledging to translate words into action in 2027.
In separate goodwill messages, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN; DIG Udom Ekpoudom; and the Akwa Ibom APC Woman Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko, reaffirmed their unity of purpose in building a peaceful and united Etim Ekpo where development can thrive, expressing confidence in the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative.
The event attracted members of the political class, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees of the Governor, traditional rulers, women, youths, and other stakeholders from Etim Ekpo and across the state.
