In reaffirmation of the state government’s drive to foster excellence and youth empowerment, the Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, yesterday, hosted the top three winners of the Arise Online Quiz Contest at the ARISE Conversation House in Ewet Housing Estate, where he presented them with cash prizes.
In his remarks, Hon. Umanah, who was represented by Comrade Udeme Inyang, congratulated the winners and lauded their commitment to staying informed about the developmental strides and achievements of Governor Umo Eno’s administration under the ARISE Agenda.
He described the contestants as exemplary ambassadors of civic engagement, adding that their performance demonstrates a keen interest in the policies and scorecards of the current administration.
He further outlined some of the notable milestones achieved under Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, especially in the area of youth-focused development and infrastructural expansion.
Among these, he highlighted the construction of 259 ARISE Compassionate Homes out of the 400 earmarked in the ARISE Agenda, with an additional 60 homes approved by the Governor.
He also mentioned the establishment of modern primary schools and primary healthcare centres across the state, the advancement of tourism infrastructure, and the creation of a stand-alone agency for state security.
Addressing the organisers, Comrade Inyang praised the CityWatch team for initiating the ARISE Quiz Contest, stating that the initiative has enlightened the citizenry about the values, objectives, and measurable impact of the ARISE Agenda.
"I have listened to your submissions and I will convey your messages to the Honourable Commissioner. CityWatch is close to his heart, and I assure you that the contest will receive wide publicity," he added."
In her response, the Lead Facilitator of the Arise Contest, Mrs Aniebiet Joseph, expressed deep appreciation to the Commissioner for the warm reception and support accorded the initiative. She described the gesture as one that reflects genuine hospitality and commitment to civic development.
Mrs Joseph noted that the success of the just-concluded quiz has demonstrated the potential of the ARISE Online Quiz Contest as a tool for promoting civic enlightenment, and appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to endorse the contest as an annual event; one that would continually commemorate the ARISE Agenda and inspire civic participation across the state.
She also prayed that the winners of the contest be granted the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno.
According to her, the visit would serve as recognition of the intellectual achievement of the winners, boost the morale of young people across the state, and reinforce the principles of knowledge, civic responsibility, and youth empowerment which the Governor embodies.
Similarly, the overall winner of the contest, Miss Francisca Idiong, expressed her gratitude to the Honourable Commissioner for receiving them and for the cash prizes.
She acknowledged the government’s strategic roadmap for sustainable development and praised its emphasis on economic growth, social inclusion, and security, which she described as the administration’s most profound gift to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The meeting, which was attended by pressmen and CityWatch staff ended on a note of shared optimism and collective commitment in promoting civic awareness, knowledge exchange, and youth engagement in governance.
© Inyene Pius
0 Comments