Governor Umo Eno, has handed over a newly built and fully furnished special ARISE Compassionate Home to Mr. Emmanuel Jimmy, widower 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 a land acquired by the State Government, the Compassionate home is fenced and tastefully furnished. During the handing over, a deed of gift, proof of ownership alongside a ₦500,000 business support grant was presented to the deceased’s son, Ubong Emmanuel.
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 a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, princess Emem Ibanga, applauded the Governor’s intervention and broader humanitarian initiatives, including the construction of ARISE Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents across the State.
She noted that the interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable persons and ensuring that no one is left behind, while commending the Governor for prioritising compassionate and people-centred governance.
In his project overview, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, 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 and other essential facilities.
He further disclosed that Governor Eno has so far delivered over 10 compassionate Homes in Uyo local government area.
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.
He further demonstrated his support by donating N2 million towards the burial of the late Inspector Akpan.
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, Mr. Emmanuel Jimmy thanked Governor Eno for providing a befitting home for his family, noting that the house would also serve as the venue for his late wife’s burial on Friday, September 18. His first son, Mr. Ubong Emmanuel, expressed delight over the new home, saying the family never expected the gesture.
Both father and son 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.), Personal Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Mrs Mfon Isreal, other government officials, political appointees, police officers and stakeholders from Uyo LGA.