Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative has extended its sweeping grassroots mobilisation drive to Ikono Local Government Area with the formal inauguration of its chapter executives, coordinating committee, and Advisory Council, in a decisive move to entrench political cohesion, strengthen local structures, and consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event, which attracted a broad spectrum of political stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters, underscored the growing resonance of the initiative as a unifying platform within Akwa Ibom’s political landscape.
Providing leadership at the event, the President-General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, commended the Ikono chapter for its organisation, discipline, and alignment with the vision of the movement.
He congratulated the newly inaugurated coordinating team and described the chapter as a strategic component in the initiative’s wider grassroots architecture. He stressed the imperative of sustained unity, structured mobilisation, and collective commitment in advancing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
In her welcome address, the Chairman of the Ikono chapter, Engr. Otobong Essien, described the initiative as a critical vehicle for the consolidation of peace and political harmony within the local government.
She emphasised the importance of unity across political and social divides, noting that the initiative provides a structured platform for engagement, inclusion, and coordinated grassroots participation.
Further reinforcing the strategic direction of the movement, the Deputy International Coordinator, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, who represented the International Coordinator, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, conveyed a message of optimism and forward momentum, highlighting the initiative’s role in bridging communities, strengthening political awareness, and sustaining a united front for the future.
The inauguration featured the formal unveiling of the Ikono Local Government Coordinating Committee, with Hon. Kenny Inyang Eka as Coordinator, Mercy Samuel Umoren as Deputy Coordinator, and Hon. Victor Akang as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include Mfreke Udonkang, Prof. Anthony Usoro, Emem Ukpong Collins, Barr. O. B. Akpan, Engr. Bright Udoh, Hon. Etop Udofia, Pst. Raymond Ekanem, Hon. Okon Okon Akpan, Imo Peter Obot, Mr. Mfreke Udonkang, Mr. Solomon Effiong Udo, Dr. Albert Archibong, Mr. John Eduok, Obong Emem Akpan, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, Mr. Aniefon Udo, Dr. Anyanime Ibanga Essien, Ini Okon Udom, Eno Obong Joseph Ekong, Ekaete Etim Udofia, Ndifreke Sunday Etim, Otobong Vivian Akpanuyanga, Esther Nta, Imaobong Aniema Akpan, Fidelia Joseph Akpan, Mercy Umoren, and Abigail Effiong Adua, among others.
Also inaugurated was the Advisory Council of the Ikono chapter, led by Engr. Otobong Essien as Chairman, with Nkereuwem Akpan as Secretary and Elder Ubong Inyang as a key member. The council comprises a wide array of respected stakeholders including Hon. Nyakno Okuibu, Hon. Gabriel Okoko, Mr. Mike Ene, Mr. Moses Essien, Godwin Udofia, Richard Essien, Sir Victor Ettefia, Prof. Chris Ekpeyong, Mr. Jack Essien, Engr. Anietie Umo, Prof. Emmanuel Ekpeyong, Ekemini Umoren, Engr. Godwin Akpan, Sir S.U. Akpan, Rt. Hon. Victor Udofia, Chief Moses Akpan, Hon. M.P. Udo, Usiene Ikpeme, George Elijah, Dr. Martins Akpan, Hon. Kingsley Akpan, Dr. Usen Akpan, Enobong S. Eyo, Mrs. Hannah Godwin, Barr. Imo Akpan, Engr. Iboro Ekanem, Ukai Samuel, Hon. Horo Lawrence, Uwem Ekamem, Obongawan Iniobong Akpan, Engr. Okon Ikono, Mrs. Emen Andrew Jacob, Ubong Isang, Hon. Itoro Lawrence, Dr. Emmanuel Akpan Obong, Sir Cosmas Ibanga, David Okon Akpan, Engr. John Assanga, Udeme Umoteka, Dennis John, Akanimo Udohkang, Hon. Emmanuel Innocent, Mrs. Mary Ekpeyong, Ezekiel M. Akpan, Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo, Ubong Otung, Lovina Umofia, Idotenyin Etok Obong, Rt. Hon. Ikwo Nyong Inyang, Udeme Obot, Simion Uyana, Blessed Essien, and Peace Sunday, among others.
Goodwill messages at the event further amplified the significance of the initiative, with contributions from Sir Victor Ettefia, SSA on Petroleum; Barr. Goddy Umo; Obongawan Lovina Udoefa; Hon. Itoro Columba; representative of the Ministry of Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang (Mr. Aniekan Okoko); Distinguished Senator Aloysius Etok; Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nnana Udo; and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo (Macair), Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency.
The speakers collectively expressed confidence in the initiative’s capacity to foster unity, deepen grassroots engagement, and deliver meaningful electoral outcomes.
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