The Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Non-Indigenes Association, Elder Onoriode Obareki, has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for promoting political inclusion and giving non-indigenes opportunities to participate in the state’s political activities.
Obareki described the inauguration of 369 ward coordinators and volunteers across the state as a significant milestone, saying the initiative would strengthen mobilisation and enable non-indigenes to contribute more actively to the state’s political development.
He noted that non-indigenes contributed more than 26,000 votes during the 2023 elections and expressed confidence that the association could mobilise greater electoral support in 2027.
Obareki commended the association’s coordinator, Ambassador Sunday Usikhifo, for his mobilisation efforts and thanked Governor Eno for the opportunities extended to non-indigenes.
He also expressed hope that further support, particularly in business development, would be made available to members. He disclosed that a proposed $800 million grant initiative intended to benefit members was in the pipeline.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the FEYReP Multipurpose Hall, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
The President-General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engineer Uwem Stephen Okoko, represented by Uyo Local Government Chairman Dr Uwemedimo Udo, commended the association’s mobilisation efforts.
Obareki urged non-indigenes to reciprocate the state government’s support by backing APC candidates, including President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno, in the forthcoming elections.
