The Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative has entered into a strategic partnership with the Akwa Ibom Journalists Forum, FCT Chapter, aimed at enhancing media engagement and increasing public awareness of the achievements of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made by the group’s Chairman and Coordinator, Tommy Etim Okon, while hosting members of the journalists’ forum, led by its Chairman, Dominic Edem, at the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office in Abuja.

Okon described the media as a vital stakeholder in promoting good governance and influencing public perception, urging journalists to maintain professionalism while giving adequate coverage to the policies, programmes and developmental strides of the state government and the leadership of the Senate President.

He noted that Governor Umo Eno’s administration has recorded significant progress that deserves wider publicity to sustain public confidence and increase awareness of the government’s development agenda among Akwa Ibom indigenes.

The coordinator also disclosed that the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative had relocated to a new office in Abuja earlier this year and has expanded its mobilisation efforts across all 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, as well as Rivers, Cross River and Lagos states.

Highlighting the administration’s achievements, Okon pointed to the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, education and youth empowerment. He also praised the governor for increasing bursary payments for students, improving welfare packages for National Youth Service Corps members and introducing a comprehensive flood and drainage management plan to address persistent flooding in the state.

While acknowledging the damage caused by recent floods, he said governments may not be able to prevent natural disasters entirely but should prioritise proactive planning and sustainable infrastructure to reduce their impact.

Speaking on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Okon said his experience in governance and collaboration with President Bola Tinubu have contributed to national development. He added that the ARISE Agenda aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the relationship between the state and the Federal Government as one that continues to deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.

He further encouraged journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession by producing balanced, factual and investigative reports instead of relying on unverified social media narratives.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Journalists Forum, Abuja Chapter, Dominic Edem, expressed appreciation for the reception and described the meeting as a step towards building a lasting relationship between the forum and the initiative.

Edem appealed for support in areas including office accommodation for the forum, stronger institutional collaboration, opportunities to promote Akwa Ibom-related developments, and greater inclusion of Abuja-based journalists in activities concerning the state.