The mobilisation of non-indigenes across Akwa Ibom State’s 369 wards has been described as an opportunity to strengthen national unity, promote inclusive governance and deepen the participation of residents from different backgrounds in the state’s development.
Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Non-Indigenes Association, Mr Onoriode Obareki, stated this while reacting to the inauguration of 369 ward coordinators and volunteers on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at FEYREP Multipurpose Hall, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Obareki said the initiative provided a platform for non-indigenes to organise themselves, contribute to public affairs and strengthen their role in the political and socioeconomic life of their host state.
He noted that Akwa Ibom, like other parts of Nigeria, benefits when residents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds are given opportunities to participate in governance and contribute to community development.
The association chairman recalled that non-indigenes contributed more than 26,000 votes during the 2023 elections, expressing confidence that the newly inaugurated ward structures would improve coordination among members ahead of future electoral engagements.
He, however, urged non-indigenes to complement the opportunities available to them with responsible participation, stressing the importance of contributing to the peace, progress and development of the state in which they live and conduct their businesses.
Obareki commended the association’s coordinator, Ambassador Sunday Usikhifo, for organising members across the state, while expressing hope that further support for non-indigenes, particularly in business development, would expand their economic opportunities.
He also disclosed that a proposed ₦800 million grant initiative for members was in the pipeline, although details of its implementation were not provided.
The inauguration was attended by the President-General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko, who was represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo.
Okoko commended the association’s leadership for mobilising its members and described non-indigenes as a significant constituency whose participation could influence electoral outcomes in Akwa Ibom.
He encouraged members to regard the state as their home, referring to the non-indigene community as the state’s “32nd Local Government” in recognition of its presence across the existing local government areas.
The event also highlighted the association’s intention to support President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and other All Progressives Congress candidates in forthcoming elections.
While the political mobilisation formed part of the gathering, the expansion of ward-level structures also underscored the importance of creating avenues through which residents from different parts of Nigeria can engage with their communities, exercise their civic responsibilities and contribute to peaceful coexistence.
