The Power of Partnership: How Collaboration Is Expanding Humanitarian Impact in Akwa Ibom
By Ekaette Okon Joseph
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno’s administration is expanding humanitarian support through a partnership model that pairs government coordination with outside expertise, funding and technology.
According to Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Princess Emem Ibanga, FCIPA, the model brings together faith-based organisations, development partners and the private sector to reach Persons with Disabilities, women, youth and other vulnerable groups across the state’s local government areas.
One example is the Fourth Thursday Assistive Mobility Clinic. Persons with Disabilities who are unable to walk undergo clinical assessments to ensure that every mobility aid provided matches their physical condition and mobility requirements. The clinic is provided free of charge, and beneficiaries make no payment at any stage.
Ibanga said the monthly outreach is fully funded by Governor Umo Eno, PhD, as part of his administration’s commitment to inclusion and dignity for Persons with Disabilities.
Skilled technicians trained through the Assistive Mobility Device Coupling Training, facilitated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the state government, assemble, customise and adjust each wheelchair and walking aid to suit individual beneficiaries.
A total of 444 Persons with Disabilities have received wheelchairs and mobility devices through the partnership, following the donation of 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking aid devices by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ibanga said. She said the donation reflects the Church’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through humanitarian service.
Ibanga said Governor Eno personally facilitated clearance of the consignments so the equipment could reach beneficiaries without delay.
According to Ibanga, physiotherapists from Uganda were engaged to train participants in international best practices in assistive device assembly and adaptation. She said the training gave younger participants a career path in rehabilitation services, a field still growing in Nigeria.
Ibanga coordinates these partnerships as Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. She said the Ministry works to align the interests of development partners, faith-based organisations, corporate institutions and government agencies around the ARISE Agenda vision of Governor Umo Eno.
That coordinating role was on display recently when Jobberman Nigeria’s leadership visited Ibanga at her office.
“I welcomed the delegation led by its Country Head of Programmes, Mr. Olamide Adeyeye, on a courtesy visit to our Ministry,” Ibanga said. “Our engagement focused on building stronger partnerships that will improve livelihoods and create more opportunities for vulnerable groups across the State.”
Ibanga said the discussion covered five priorities: expanding youth employment and employability programmes, supporting skills development and economic empowerment for young people, promoting inclusive opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, exploring Jobberman’s participation in the forthcoming Humanitarian Day and Humanitarian Roundtable, and aligning future programmes with the state’s humanitarian priorities.
She commended Jobberman Nigeria’s youth development work and acknowledged its grassroots impact in Akwa Ibom State since 2023, when the organisation began operating in the state.
“As a government, we recognise that meaningful and lasting development is achieved through collaboration,” Ibanga said. “We look forward to working more closely with Jobberman Nigeria to expand opportunities for our young people, strengthen livelihoods and improve the wellbeing of vulnerable citizens in line with the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.”
Ibanga said the state’s ARISE Free Food Security Programme also continues to support vulnerable households, part of what she described as a wider effort under the ARISE Agenda to treat humanitarian assistance as an ongoing system of support rather than one-off relief.
Ibanga said the Ministry is inviting corporate organisations, development partners and faith-based institutions to join the state’s humanitarian coalition and expand opportunities for vulnerable citizens across Akwa Ibom.
