13/09/2026
WIDOW WHO LOST 8 CHILDREN RECEIVES NEW HOME, N500,000 GRANT FROM GOV. ENO
For Mrs Comfort Linus of Nto Edino Ward 3 in Obot Akara Local Government Area, Saturday, September 12, 2026, brought a rare moment of relief after years marked by hardship, grief and uncertainty.
The widow, who has suffered the heartbreaking loss of eight of her nine children, was presented with a new home and a cash grant of N500,000 under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, giving her a fresh opportunity to rebuild her life with dignity and hope.
The newly completed home, situated at Nto Omum, brings to the 10th of the ARISE Compassionate Homes delivered in Obot Akara Local Government Area, while two additional beneficiaries have already been profiled for the construction of their homes.
Representing the Governor at the ceremony, former Dean of the College of Commissioners in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Glory Edet, said the intervention reflected Governor Eno’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches vulnerable citizens and communities across the state without discrimination.
She disclosed that Mrs Linus’ home formed part of the 461 ARISE Compassionate Homes delivered by the administration out of the Governor’s target of 500 homes across the wards of the state, adding that the remaining projects were at various stages of completion.
Dr Edet commended the people of Obot Akara for their warmth and continued support for the Governor, particularly during his visits to the area, assuring them that ongoing projects would be completed as scheduled.
She further stated that the Governor remained committed to bringing more development to Obot Akara in his second term, noting that the needs of the people, as captured during the town square meetings held across the state, would continue to guide government interventions.
Dr Edet also called on the people of Obot Akara to sustain their support for Governor Umo Eno, President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Dr Patrick Umoh and Elder Jerry Otu in the 2027 elections.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for his sustained commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens across Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner, who also presented additional support to Mrs Comfort Linus, said the widow’s story was a reminder that behind every intervention was a human being whose life could be positively transformed through compassion and timely assistance. She assured that the Ministry would continue to support the Governor’s vision of an inclusive administration where no one is left behind.
Giving an overview of the project, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Prince Nsikan-Abasi Umoekpo, described the building as a tastefully furnished two-bedroom bungalow designed to provide the beneficiary with a safe, comfortable and sustainable living environment.
He explained that the house was equipped with solar-powered electricity, a borehole, dining set, parlour furniture and beds, as well as a detached kitchenette, noting that the facilities were provided to ensure that beneficiaries received more than just shelter, but a home capable of improving their quality of life.
Prince Umoekpo said similar homes had been delivered at Nto Ndang, Ikpe Mbak Eyop, Nsit Ikpe, Nto Ediong Ibong Ikpa Eto, Ikot Ukpong, Ikot Udom, Okop, Oku Obom and Nto Ekpu Ikot, while two additional beneficiaries had been profiled at Ikot Mmem and Abiakpo Ikot Otu.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Dominic Simon, represented by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Mercy Okure, welcomed the development and commended Governor Eno for the numerous interventions undertaken across the area.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, highlighted some of the Governor’s major projects in Obot Akara, including two model primary schools and the Nto Ideh–Ikot Amba Bridge.
He disclosed that work was at advanced stages on other projects, including the Usaka–Nto Ndang–Nko Road and the Ikot Ukpong–Mbiaso–Nto Edito Road with a bridge, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Village Head, Chief Isidore Ibritam; Ward Leader, Chief Stephen Dan; Ward Women Leader, Mrs Elina George; and Comrade Aloysius Amama expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for his interventions and pledged the continued support of the people for the administration and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
For Mrs Linus, however, the ceremony was deeply personal, recounting her experience, the widow spoke of the pain of losing eight of her nine children, whom she had looked up to for support and a better future, recalling the difficult years that followed, when survival became a daily struggle and she often had no proper shelter, particularly during the rainy season, when she would resort to covering herself from the rain with whatever she could find.
Overwhelmed with emotion as she stood before the home provided for her, Mrs Linus expressed profound gratitude to Governor Eno for remembering her in one of the darkest periods of her life. She thanked the Governor for giving her a home, restoring her hope and making her feel that she had not been forgotten, while praying that God would continue to bless and strengthen him for his kindness.
The ceremony featured songs, dancing and expressions of joy from women of the community, as government officials including the Special Adviser to the Governor, Barr. Kufre Udosen, among other well-wishers also presented additional support to the widow.
