The Golden Mandate Movement (GMM), a socio-political and grassroots development organisation, on Saturday inaugurated its new executive members and unveiled its agenda for grassroots mobilisation, political participation and community development at the Ati Annang International Secretariat, Ikot Ekpene.
The ceremony attracted political leaders, stakeholders, party faithful, community leaders and supporters from across the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, Mr. Emmanuel George Ekong, described the event as a significant milestone in the growth of the movement. He said GMM was established to promote the social, political and economic development of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District through active grassroots engagement and community participation.
Ekong disclosed that the movement has already established structures across the ten local government areas and wards in the district to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He explained that the widespread acceptance of the movement made its formal inauguration necessary following its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant authorities.
In his inaugural address, President of the Golden Mandate Movement, Atuekong Dr. Anthony Leo Umana, KSM, traced the evolution of the organisation from the Friends of Envoy Nsentip Akpabio International Solidarity Foundation (FONABS), established in December 2025, to the Golden Mandate Movement with an expanded focus on socio-political mobilisation and humanitarian service.
Dr. Umana said the movement is committed to promoting sustainable socio-political development through community-based initiatives that empower citizens and improve livelihoods. He added that GMM aims to become a leading socio-political and charitable organisation driven by grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and community development.
He announced that the movement would roll out humanitarian programmes, including free healthcare services, micro-credit support for small and medium-scale enterprises, scholarships for indigent students, skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives, as well as housing support for vulnerable persons. According to him, the programmes are designed to complement the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
On its political mandate, Dr. Umana said the movement had established democratic structures from the local government to the polling unit level to mobilise support for APC candidates in future elections. He also revealed plans to expand the movement to the Uyo and Eket Senatorial Districts following its successful inauguration in Ikot Ekpene.
Representing the Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Barr. Edet Inyangidem commended the leadership of GMM for its vision and commitment to grassroots development. He pledged continued support for the movement's objectives.
Speaking as Grand Patron of the movement, Envoy Nsentip Akpabio urged members to distinguish themselves through selfless service and meaningful contributions to society. He said the movement would pursue community development projects and humanitarian interventions alongside its political mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.
Envoy Akpabio also announced the establishment of an Educational Endowment Fund to provide grants for deserving students in tertiary institutions as part of the movement's commitment to education.
The inauguration featured the swearing-in of the newly elected executive members and the presentation of educational grants to selected beneficiaries.
Goodwill messages from invited dignitaries highlighted the movement's grassroots focus and expressed confidence in its capacity to contribute to community development, political participation and inclusive governance across Akwa Ibom State.
© Atuekong Paul Bassey
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