A’Ibom deepens humanitarian partnership with ActionAid, Clement Isong Foundation
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation to expand humanitarian interventions and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents in the state.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, gave the assurance while receiving the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, his delegation and officials of the Clement Isong Foundation during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s conference room on Wednesday.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation to expand humanitarian interventions and improve the welfare of vulnerable residents in the state.
Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, gave the assurance while receiving the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, his delegation and officials of the Clement Isong Foundation during a courtesy visit to the ministry’s conference room on Wednesday.
She described humanitarian service as a shared responsibility, stressing that although the state government has continued to invest in programmes that improve citizens’ welfare, increasing humanitarian needs require stronger collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders.
Princess Ibanga commended ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation for their sustained contributions to humanitarian service, noting that their interventions have complemented the state’s efforts in promoting social inclusion and community development.
She also applauded Governor Umo Eno for his people-centred leadership and commitment to humanitarian service, particularly the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as the state’s first standalone ministry dedicated to humanitarian issues.
The commissioner highlighted some of the ministry’s flagship initiatives, including the ARISE Care and Share Initiative and the ARISE Food Security Programme, adding that the network of 369 Ward Personal Assistants has strengthened the delivery of government support to vulnerable people in communities across the state.
According to her, the government is also expanding interventions in underserved and riverine communities through improved access to potable water and enhanced livelihood support.
Princess Ibanga said the ministry’s empowerment programmes, which include grants and productive assets for vulnerable persons, are designed to promote self-reliance, restore dignity and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance.
She further emphasised Governor Eno’s commitment to accountability, transparency and data-driven governance, noting that proper beneficiary identification, monitoring and evaluation remain critical to ensuring that government interventions achieve their intended objectives.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with development partners to broaden the reach and impact of humanitarian programmes across Akwa Ibom State.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana, said the ARISE Agenda has placed unprecedented emphasis on rural development through ward-based water projects, enterprise development, grants for vulnerable groups and sustainable livelihood programmes.
She noted that while government alone could not address every challenge, its sustained investments had created a solid foundation for partnerships capable of delivering greater impact.
Earlier, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr Andrew Mamedu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government.
He noted that ActionAid has operated in the state for about 20 years, focusing on poverty reduction through education, healthcare, humanitarian response and social justice.
Mamedu observed that climate change continues to worsen humanitarian challenges in riverine communities through environmental degradation and declining fish stocks.
He also disclosed that ActionAid is working with development partners and the Federal Government to strengthen the National Social Register to ensure that social protection programmes reach genuine beneficiaries.
Describing disaster management as a shared responsibility, he reaffirmed ActionAid Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate more closely with the ministry in addressing humanitarian challenges.
Mamedu also advocated improved access to safe drinking water and education in riverine communities, expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver greater benefits to vulnerable residents.
The Director of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr Elkanah Oluyori, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry and advancing discussions on developing a humanitarian and disaster response framework for Akwa Ibom State.
He noted that although the government had made significant progress in humanitarian interventions, a comprehensive policy framework would improve coordination and ensure sustainable support for vulnerable communities.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Eno Akpan, members of the ministry’s management team, and officials of ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation.
