Home-going: Gov Eno’s Initiative that Rekindles Grassroots Connection

Home-going: Gov Eno’s Initiative that Rekindles Grassroots Connection

By Emma Akpabio

Days after the statewide Home-going rallies held across the 31 LGAs, electorates and stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State have continued to commend Governor Umo Eno for initiating what many describe as a groundbreaking grassroots reconnection exercise.

The directive, which mandated all aides and appointees to return to their villages for APC membership revalidation, village-based interactions and Local Government rallies, has been widely praised for reopening long-abandoned homes, mending political divides, and restoring the essential bond between government and the people.

In an era when the distance between leaders and their communities is frequently criticized, The Home-going initiative distinguished itself as a refreshing and symbolic gesture. Appointees returned to their villages; not for festive celebrations or ceremonies, but in service to governance.

For several officials, it marked the first time in years that they slept in their village homes. Doors that had remained shut for long periods were opened once again, and family compounds that had grown quiet came alive with renewed interaction.

Applauding the Governor for the initiative, a community leader noted that this simple return home did more than reconnect appointees with their origins; it brought government visibly closer to the grassroots.

“We saw in different media channels, commissioners and senior aides seated with elders under the mango tree, listening to the people’s concerns,” said Elder Mfon Jackson, a community leader in Etinan. “This is what governance should represent. The Governor has set a commendable standard, and we appeal to him to sustain this initiative.”

Political observers further noted that the Home-going helped dissolve longstanding divisions within APC wards. The presence of appointees created an atmosphere in which old and new party members engaged freely, fostering unity and shared purpose.

“The Home-going has infused the party with a renewed sense of togetherness,” remarked Mrs. Ime Akpan, a woman leader in Nsit Ibom“. Individuals who had not spoken in months were planning rallies together. The Governor has unintentionally closed factional gaps simply by sending his appointees home.”

The initiative also offered an opportunity for direct empowerment. Appointees used their visit to support constituents through various interventions, including financial assistance, provision of tools, and other community-focused support. Many residents described these gestures as timely and reassuring.

“We didn’t just see our representatives; we felt their presence,” said youth leader Anietie Bassey in Ibesikpo Asutan. “Many young people received support, and we were able to freely express our challenges. We urge the Governor to make this a continuous tradition.”

Beyond empowerment, the Home-going created a functional feedback mechanism. Aides held discussions with villagers, listening to concerns about infrastructure, education, security, and other community needs. Residents believe this direct communication will ensure more responsive and people-oriented governance.

Politically, the initiative has been celebrated as a stabilizing force that strengthens party loyalty and deepens the APC’s structure across wards. In essence, the gains of the Home-going are multifaceted.

It reopened long-abandoned village homes and reconnected appointees with their roots after years of absence, unified old and new APC members to strengthen ward-level cohesion, and collapsed longstanding factions within the party to encourage greater collective progress.

The initiative further introduced direct grassroots empowerment, reinforcing confidence in government through visible support. It created a vital communication channel between residents and the government, humanised political appointees by reinforcing their accessibility at the community level, and restored trust between the electorate and their representatives. The widespread reception of the programme has also sparked strong appeals for continuity.

Governor Umo Eno’s Home-going initiative has rekindled grassroots connection in ways that resonate deeply across communities. It reopened physical homes, rejuvenated political relationships, and reestablished the long-neglected presence of government at the community level.

Stakeholders and community members are now appealing to the Governor to institutionalize the initiative, transforming it from a one-off intervention into a periodic exercise that ensures leaders remain close to the people they serve.