…supports sports development, roll out empowerment
As part of efforts to deepen grassroots engagement and share the joy of the Christmas season, the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Ini-Ima Umoh, has carried out a series of community-focused interventions across Abiakpo Ikot Essien and neighbouring communities.
The week-long outreach, which commenced at the end of the village end-of-year football tournament, saw Pastor Umoh sponsor the Abiakpo Ikot Essien village football team.
Pastor Umoh provided cash support, donated jerseys to the team and rewarded excellence with prizes for the best player and best goalkeeper, while pledging additional incentives should the team emerge winners of the tournament.
Speaking at the event, the Governor’s Aide said the initiative was aimed at encouraging youths to channel their energy into productive ventures, noting that sports remains a veritable tool for unity, discipline and talent development.
Pastor Umoh also hosted a Christmas and New Year gathering for family heads and women leaders that make up the leadership structure of Abiakpo Ikot Essien village where he distributed food items and offered financial support.
While speaking at the event, he described the gesture as a way of cushioning the impact of the prevailing economic realities and strengthening communal bonds during the festive season.
The outreach further extended last Sunday to the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Onna Mission Field, where Pastor Umoh joined worshippers to celebrate Christmas.
During the service, he provided financial assistance to all the units of the church to support their activities and also selected five members of the church as beneficiaries of an empowerment scheme designed to promote self-reliance and improve livelihoods.
Responding on behalf of the community, leaders and youths expressed gratitude for the gestures, describing them as timely and impactful, while pledging support for initiatives that promote unity, youth development and social welfare at the grassroots.