AKSG Strengthens Humanitarian Collaboration With ActionAid Nigeria, Clement Isong Foundation

The Akwa Ibom State Government has commended ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation for their sustained humanitarian interventions in the state, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening partnerships that improve the lives of vulnerable citizens.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, gave the commendation while receiving the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, his team and officials of the Clement Isong Foundation during a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s Conference Room on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Welcoming the delegation, Princess Ibanga described humanitarian service as a shared responsibility, stressing that while government has continued to invest in programmes that improve citizens’ welfare, growing humanitarian needs across communities require the support of development partners and other critical stakeholders.

She acknowledged the longstanding contributions of ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation, noting that their interventions have complemented government efforts in promoting social inclusion and community development.

The Commissioner applauded Governor Umo Eno’s people-centred leadership and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, particularly the establishment of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs as the state’s first standalone ministry dedicated to humanitarian affairs.

She highlighted some of the ministry’s key interventions, including the ARISE Care and Share Initiative, the ARISE Food Security Programme, noting that the network of 369 Ward Personal Assistants has strengthened the delivery of government support to vulnerable persons in every community across the state.

Princess Ibanga further disclosed that the State Government is intensifying interventions in underserved and riverine communities through improved access to potable water and strengthened livelihood support. She explained that the ministry’s empowerment initiatives, including grants and productive assets for vulnerable persons, are designed to promote self-reliance, restore dignity and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance.

She also underscored Governor Eno’s emphasis on accountability, transparency and data-driven governance, stating that proper beneficiary identification, monitoring and evaluation remain central to ensuring government interventions achieve their intended objectives. She reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to deepen collaboration with development partners to expand the reach and impact of humanitarian programmes across the state.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs. Meflyn Anwana, said Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda has placed unprecedented focus on rural development through ward-based water projects, enterprise development, grants for vulnerable groups and sustainable livelihood programmes. She noted that while the government cannot solve every challenge alone, its sustained investments provide a strong foundation for partnerships that will deliver greater impact across the state.

Earlier, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, expressed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government, noting that ActionAid has worked in the state for about 20 years, focusing on poverty eradication through education, healthcare, humanitarian response and social justice.

Dr. Mamedu observed that climate change continues to worsen humanitarian challenges in riverine communities through environmental degradation and declining fish populations. He also disclosed that ActionAid is collaborating with development partners and the Federal Government to strengthen the National Social Register to ensure social protection programmes reach genuine beneficiaries.

Describing disaster management as a shared responsibility, the Country Director reaffirmed ActionAid Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate more closely with the ministry in addressing humanitarian challenges. He also advocated improved access to safe drinking water and education in riverine communities, expressing confidence that the partnership would deliver greater benefits to vulnerable residents across the state.

The Director of the Clement Isong Foundation, Mr. Elkanah Oluyori, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry and advancing discussions on developing a humanitarian and disaster response framework for the state. He noted that while the government has made significant progress in humanitarian interventions, a clear policy framework would enhance coordination and ensure sustainable support for vulnerable communities.

Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, members of the ministry’s Management Team, and officials of ActionAid Nigeria and the Clement Isong Foundation.