By Peter Omopo
Nine months after a midnight fire razed a 15-room residential building in Atabong community, Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has rebuilt a home for a widow and her children who were rendered homeless by the incident.
The inferno, which occurred late last year, affected several families within the compound and destroyed properties valued at millions of naira. No lives were lost, but the incident left many residents displaced, including Mrs Comfort Eshiet Daniels and her children.
At an emotional commissioning ceremony, government officials, community leaders, and residents gathered to formally hand over the newly completed house to the family. Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Frank Archibong, said the gesture reflected Governor Eno’s compassion-driven style of governance and his commitment to supporting the poor and vulnerable.
Mrs Eshiet Daniels, visibly moved, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the governor for restoring dignity and stability to her family after months of hardship. She pledged her continued support for the administration.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey; Chairman of Eket Local Government Area, Akan Tommy; the Village Head of Atabong, His Royal Majesty Ferdinand Ikwang; and Dr Essien Ndueso, Special Senior Assistant on Research and Documentation and wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket.
They commended the governor for what they described as a timely and humane intervention and pledged support for his re-election bid in 2027.
The rebuilt property consists of a three-bedroom bungalow and seven self-contained apartments, providing improved comfort, security, and a fresh start for the affected family.
Residents noted that while memories of the devastating fire remain vivid in Atabong community, the new home now stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassionate governance.
