Governor Umo Eno, has handed over a newly built and fully furnished special ARISE Compassionate Home to Mr. Ubong Emmanuel, son of late Inspector Hossanah Akpan, who served at Government House, Uyo, until her death in February.
The two-bedroom bungalow, located at Use Ikot Ebio, Obio Offot, in Uyo Local Government Area, was commissioned on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and formally handed over through the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Azare, who represented the Governor.
Built on land acquired by the State government, the compassionate home is fenced and equipped with solar-powered electricity and a solar borehole system. It has beds, toilets and a dining area, while a deed of gift and proof of ownership were presented to the beneficiary, Mr. Emmanuel who also received a ₦500,000 cheque.
Speaking at the commissioning, CP Azare said Governor Eno approved the project following an appeal for a befitting home for the family, describing the gesture as support for the Nigeria Police Force and recognition of officers who lost their lives in active service. He noted that the Governor went beyond the usual ARISE Compassionate Homes framework by acquiring the land for the project, while additional fencing was approved following a security assessment to protect the deceased officer’s four children.
In his project overview, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, said the home was among the 461 ARISE Compassionate Homes delivered by the administration, but was exceptional because of its fencing, solar electricity and solar-powered water system. He said the additional features followed an appeal by a non-indigene of Akwa Ibom State, which Governor Eno graciously approved.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo, commended Governor Eno for recognising the service and sacrifice of the late inspector, saying the intervention would provide succour to the family and boost the morale of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other uniformed services.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Emem Ibanga, applauded the Governor’s intervention and broader humanitarian initiatives, including the construction of ARISE Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents across the State.
Also speaking, the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, CSP Besta Sini, described the late Inspector Akpan as a diligent and duty-bound officer who served with a strong sense of responsibility at Government House. She thanked Governor Eno, CP Azare, the humanitarian team and other officials involved in the project, saying the gesture affirmed that the sacrifices of serving officers and their families are not forgotten.
Responding, the deseased’s son thanked Governor Eno for providing a befitting home for his family, noting that the house would also serve as the venue for the burial of his late mother on Friday, September 18. His first son, saying the family never expected the gesture.
He prayed for Governor Eno, wishing him good health and a sound mind to continue his work for the poor and downtrodden, while expressing support for continuity in his administration.
Also in attendance were the Commissioner for Security and Waterways, Gen. Koko Essien (rtd.), other government officials, political appointees, police officers and stakeholders from Uyo LGA.
