…lists achievements in office within one year
…empowers youths with ₦500,000 each under ‘U Rise, We Rise’ ₦120m Empowerment Initiative
It was celebration and commendation galore on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, as the Executive Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. (Amb.) Inibehe Umah, marked his one year in office with a special Independence Day Breakfast Meeting at the Council Hall, Odoro Ikpe.
The event, which coincided with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, brought together political leaders across party lines, traditional rulers, business executives, youth groups, and other stakeholders. It provided a platform to deepen dialogue, strengthen unity, and renew commitment to the socio-economic advancement of Ini.
In his remarks, Hon. Umah recalled that his election was held on October 5, 2024, while he was sworn into office on October 7, 2024. He explained that he chose to celebrate his one year anniversary alongside Nigeria’s Independence Day in order to give the event a deeper meaning of freedom, resilience, and unity.
Reviewing his one year in office, the Council Boss listed remarkable strides achieved under his administration, including the flagship ₦120 million ‘U Rise, We Rise’ Livelihood Enhancement and Empowerment Initiative, rural infrastructure development, and programs targeted at agricultural growth, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship. He emphasized that his administration’s policies were in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, focusing on grassroots development and sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting the empowerment program, Hon. Umah, in the second phase of the empowerment, disbursed ₦500,000 each to over 22 young beneficiaries drawn from the 11 wards of Ini LGA to support their farming businesses and entrepreneurial ventures. The beneficiaries included Emmanuel Udo Udo and Ubong Udo from Ward 1; Enimini Friday and Anietie Udoka from Ward 2; Monday Osudo and Friday Ebo from Ward 3; Clement Ita and Charles Akpanowo from Ward 4; Aniedi Jackson from Ward 5; Christian Udom and Samuel Akpan from Ward 6; Kufre Udo Akpan and John Monday Udo from Ward 7; Blessing Benson and Ndifreke Solomon Udo from Ward 8; Ben Nnana and Ekemini Archibong Usoro from Ward 9; Peter Ekanem, Aniedi Ekere, and Dominic Ufia from Ward 10; as well as Daniel Etim Akpan and Ndanyongmong Titus Akpan from Ward 11.
He charged them to take the opportunity seriously, stressing that the package was more than financial support but a pathway to self-reliance and sustainable development.
Member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, in his remarks, described Hon. Umah as a genius who consistently thinks outside the box, pledging his continuous partnership with the council boss to deliver dividends of democracy.
Political leader of Iwere, Barr. Essien Essien, lauded the Council Chairman for surpassing expectations within just one year in office.
On his part, Dr. Godwin Udoudo(Mentor), described Umah’s scorecard as unprecedented, adding that stakeholders would not hesitate to support him to continue serving Ini people creditably.
In his contribution, Dr. Udeme Nana commended the Ini Council Boss for steering governance away from the norm and for adopting an innovative and unifying style of leadership that is winning the confidence of the people.
The breakfast meeting attracted top dignitaries, including Hon. Lawrence Udoide, Member Representing Ini State Constituency; Hon. Mrs. Veronica Edidiong Bassey, Vice Chairman, Ini LGA; Hon. Ubong Mkpa, Secretary to Council; Hon. Donald Usoroh, Leader, 8th Ini Legislative Council; Elder Edet Udoakang, DG INIBEHE-INI Campaign Organisation; Hon. Isaac Moses, DG EkaUbok Abasi Campaign Organisation; Hon. Innocent Udom, Immediate Past Transition Chairman; Hon. Emmanuel Umah, Immediate Past PDP Chapter Chairman; Hon. Michael Akpan, Former Vice Chairman; Dr. Godwin Udoudo; Dr. Udeme Nana, Founder of Uyo Book Club.
Others were Mr. Great Owo, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President; Mrs. Elizabeth Ibanga, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Woman Leader; Hon. Imoh Abam, PDP Chapter Chairman; CSP Asuquo Inyang (Rtd.), Director of Security Services, University of Uyo; Chief Effiong Essien; councillors; supervisors; traditional rulers; and many other stakeholders across Ini LGA.