The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, has presented two brand-new wheelchairs to a couple living with disabilities, Mr. Nseobong Thompson and his wife, Mrs. Uduak Nseobong, in Ibesit Anwa Udo Village, Oruk Anam Local Government Area.
The intervention, made on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, followed a social media post that drew attention to the couple’s situation during the dedication of their last child. The couple, who have three children, were said to have faced significant mobility challenges.
Princess Ibanga said the couple’s photograph and story, which attracted widespread attention online, prompted her to contact the family and arrange for the wheelchairs. She explained that although the intervention did not fall within the Ministry’s scheduled Assistive Device Clinic Day, special arrangements were made for the devices to be assembled and delivered to the beneficiaries.
According to the Commissioner, the gesture reflects Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens and ensuring that no one is left behind.
She said the intervention was made possible through a partnership between the Akwa Ibom State Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which supports the provision of assistive devices to persons living with disabilities.
Princess Ibanga noted that the partnership had enabled the Ministry to reach more beneficiaries, assuring that the State Government would continue to support initiatives that promote dignity, independence and inclusion.
The State Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mrs. Obonodo IniUko, who helped bring the couple’s situation to public attention, said her Better Life for Gender Foundation had remained committed to supporting vulnerable persons and persons with disabilities.
Mrs. IniUko explained that she encountered the couple while attending the dedication of their last child at the Apostolic Church on Sunday and subsequently shared their story on social media. She said the post went viral and eventually attracted the attention of the Commissioner.
She added that Aniekere Akpakpan of Comfort FM helped facilitate contact between the couple and the Commissioner, leading to the government’s intervention.
Mrs. IniUko expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for prioritising the welfare of vulnerable citizens and commended Princess Ibanga for her swift and compassionate response, saying the wheelchairs would significantly improve the couple’s mobility and independence.
Responding, Mr. Thompson thanked God and Governor Eno for the assistance, as well as Mrs. IniUko for using her platform to draw attention to his family’s situation.
He also commended Princess Ibanga for what he described as an act of love and compassion, noting that movement had been difficult for him and his wife before the intervention.
Mr. Thompson said the wheelchairs would enable the couple to move around more independently and with greater ease.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, and the Head of Humanitarian Services, Mrs. Unyime Udofia, were also present during the presentation.
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