The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Project as it expands its maternal and child health interventions across the state.

The Commissioner gave the assurance on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the IOM Project team, who visited to brief her on activities lined up for the 2026 edition of the initiative, scheduled to hold from August 1 to 14, 2026.

Princess Ibanga described the project as a growing and impactful intervention that continues to touch the lives of vulnerable women and children across Akwa Ibom State, recalling that the 2025 edition reached over 17,000 beneficiaries in seven Local Government Areas.

She expressed delight that the 2026 outreach would cover about 65 per cent of the state, targeting more than 12,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers as well as 20,000 children under the age of five.
“I followed the programme closely last year and witnessed the turnout. I am confident the impact will be even greater this year,” she said.

The Commissioner commended the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for humanitarian and health interventions to thrive in the state.

She noted that despite the rainy season, the state government has remained committed to reaching vulnerable populations through various social intervention programmes.
“We work as a family. The rain has not stopped us from doing what we have to do. We are open to IOM and being deeply involved in the process. We will provide food support because this initiative is about improving the lives of our people,” she stated.

Princess Ibanga also lauded the Director of the IOM Project, Mr. Aniekeme George, and the project partners for their dedication to improving maternal and child healthcare services in the state.

Emphasising the Ministry’s commitment to people-centred programmes, she said, “Human beings are our projects. We are endeared to this programme and will continue to support initiatives that improve the welfare of women, children and families.”

She further highlighted the contributions of the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, to humanitarian and family-focused interventions across the state.
“Lady Helen Obareki is passionate about programmes that improve the welfare of families. She continues to support children, parents and vulnerable households through various initiatives, bringing hope and succour to those in need,” the Commissioner said.

She thanked the Coordinator for her commitment to humanitarian causes and prayed for God’s continued grace upon the project team.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and President of the Wives of All Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (WALGON), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mrs. Akaninyene Udo, informed the Commissioner that the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Project would expand its maternal and child health intervention to 20 local government areas as part of activities marking the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week.

According to her, the coalition-led initiative will build on the successes recorded in 2025, when more than 17,000 beneficiaries were reached in seven local government areas. She disclosed that the 2026 edition is expected to target over 12,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and 20,000 children under five years of age.

Mrs. Udo noted that the project aligns with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda and is designed to improve access to quality healthcare services for women and children in rural and underserved communities.

She explained that activities would commence with an advocacy road walk on August 1, followed by medical missions from August 3 to 13, while the grand finale dinner would hold on August 14 at Ibom Hall, Uyo.

The WALGON President further disclosed that the medical missions would provide comprehensive maternal, newborn and child healthcare services, including obstetric ultrasound scans, nutrition screening and treatment, HIV and tuberculosis screening, family planning services, breastfeeding counselling, child healthcare services, cervical cancer consultations and referrals for high-risk cases.

Other services to be offered include enrolment into the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme, birth registration and certification, distribution of Mama Kits and newborn care packs, health education and linkage of beneficiaries to nearby primary healthcare facilities for continued care.

She appealed to the Commissioner to participate in the advocacy walk and mobilise staff of the Ministry of humanitarian affairs to join the walk and lend their voices to a successful 2026 campaign, and handed over some IOM branded items as a memento of the visit.

Present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Deaconess Eno Akpan; President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mrs. Idongesit Okoko; the Press Secretary to the First Lady, Mrs. Uduak Ekong; Representatives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Helen Keller International (HKI); Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN)/CCCRN; Carelife Character Foundation; and other partner organisations collaborating on the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Project which will be implemented in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam, Ikono/Ini, Itu/Nsit Atai, Oron/Urue Offong-Oruko, Ikot Abasi/Okobo, Etinan/Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom/Mkpat Enin, Esit Eket/Ibeno, Uruan/Ika, and Etim Ekpo/Essien Udim Local Government Areas.

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