Etim Ekpo Supervisor, Etinyene Offongekpe Builds 3-Bedroom Bungalow for Widow 

Etim Ekpo Supervisor, Etinyene Offongekpe Builds 3-Bedroom Bungalow for Widow 

…Splashes business grants on women, youths

…As two students get one-session scholarship

A vulnerable widow in Utu Ikot Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Mrs. Nne Nko Robert, is set to be a proud owner of a three-bedroom Arise Compassionate Home, singlehandedly built by the Supervisor for Youth Development, Sports and Social Mobilization in Etim Ekpo, Comrade Etinyene Offongekpe.

The construction of the home which is already at window level, was formally flagged-off on Saturday, September 6, 2025, by the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Gideon Uwa and coincided with the empowerment of women and youths in the area by Comrade Offongekpe.

Tagged ‘Etinyene Offongekpe Support Scheme, 2025′, the ceremony also featured the donation of business grants to eleven (11) petty traders, family support grant to seven (7) youths, Etim Ekpo women Uniform to 13 women, while 51 other women received wrappers and food items.

Similarly, two students from the University of Uyo and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic received scholarship for one academic session.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Gideon Uwa, while thanking Comrade Offongekpe for his contributions to the development of Etim Ekpo LGA, particularly commended him for choosing to provide shelter for the widow, not minding the economic implications, describing him as a gift to his community.

Represented by the Council Secretary, Mr. Mmeti Umanah, the Etim Ekpo Council Boss said his administration remains committed to the sustenance of peace in the area, pledging that he will leave the local government area better than he met it.

“I want to specially commend my brother, Comrade Offongekpe for always thinking about his people and especially, for choosing to undertake the building of this 3-Bedroom apartment for a widow, apart from the empowerment grants that would be given out out. Offongekpe is not doing this because he has or earns so much. But he’s doing it from the place of love for his community.

“What is happening here today aligns with the ideology of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, and I want to let Offongekpe know that the Chairman is proud of him and will continue to do everything to keep Etim Ekpo peaceful”, he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Comrade Offongekpe who is also the Dean, College of Youths and Sports Supervisors in Akwa Ibom State, used the opportunity to thank God for the grace for undertake the project and appreciated the Local Government Chairman, Gideon Uwa, for the opportunity to serve.

On why he decided to build a house for a widow, Comrade Offongekpe, flanked by his wife, Mfreke, explained that he had always longed for an opportunity to touch the lives of people, adding that the building of the 3-bedroom bungalow was a divine instruction which he has to obey, not minding the cost.

“By God’s grace, this building will be completed and furnished. I’m doing this in support of my Boss the Chairman of Etim Ekpo, Gideon Uwa who has shown what quality leadership means since he assumed office.

“For me, I totally believe and support the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno and so, what we’re doing today is not only for humanity, but in line with the ARISE Agenda of the Governor. I have always said that if God gives me any opportunity, that I won’t disappoint my people“, he said.

He called on the beneficiaries of the business grants to make good use of the funds given them to expand their business.

“I spoke to some of these market women. Some of them are selling pepper, okro, crayfish etc and I asked them how much they need to expand their trade. Some of them told me N30,000, N35,000 or N40,000. By the grace of God, whatever amount each of them mentioned, has been given to them as our little way of encouraging them”, he added.

Beneficiaries of the support grant thanked Comrade Offongekpe for his philanthropic gesture, while a visibly elated beneficiary of the Compassionate Home, Mrs Nne Robert, prayed God to bless him.

Present at the event were the Senior Pastor of Hilltop of Glory Covenant Ministry, Dr. David George who performed the foundation laying ceremony; Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, AmanamHillary Umo-Udofia; Mr. Saviour Idio, amongst others.