Life took a new turn for Madam Comfort Okon Ekpenyong, a widow formerly identified within her locality – the Nsukara Offot community in Uyo Local Government – as “Mma Ntagha Ufok Nsukara”, meaning a woman who lives in the worst dilapidated house in Nsukara.
The intervention was akin to the biblical promise that “though sorrow may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning”. Madam Comfort experienced that reality.
Also, as a poor woman whose condition then could simply be likened to that of the woman with the issue of blood recorded in the Bible, any soothsaying that she would one day in her lifetime become a proud owner of one of the best buildings around her community could have meant nothing but a fairy tale.
For many years, Madam Ekpenyong had endured harsh living conditions while raising three children and caring for seven grandchildren, one of whom is physically challenged.
Today, her story has changed through what could be described as a “divine visitation”, as she owns and lives in a well-furnished apartment, courtesy of Dr Uwemedimo Udo, the chairman of Uyo Local Government Area.
The fully furnished apartment is equipped with solar-powered electricity and borehole water to ensure comfort and sustainability for Madam Comfort Ekpenyong and her family.
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As the tape was cut and the doors of the new bungalow opened on Monday, February 23, 2026, the widow broke down in tears, saying she would sleep on a proper bed for the first time in her life.
Beyond the house, Dr Udo presented her with a cheque of ₦500,000 to boost her plantain and fufu business.
Touched by this action, Uyo Media Group on Monday, April 20, paid a visit to the council secretariat to commend Dr Udo, whose action was described as a demonstration of humanity.
Led by its chairman, Elder Patrick Albert, the group gave the Uyo Council boss a pat on the back, saying that he was making Uyo proud.
“Your leadership of Uyo LGA is quite remarkable. Your performance is evident and impactful. However, we must emphasise that despite enormous records, much is still expected of you. Continue this way, and posterity will judge you favourably,” Albert said, while promising the support of the media group for his activities.
Introducing the group to the council chairman, Elder Albert informed him that the Uyo Media Group is a body of professional media operators whose aims and objectives are to promote love, unity, progress and development of Uyo Local Government Area.
According to Albert, the group also exists to preserve, protect and advance the collective interest of Uyo Local Government within the politics of the state and the nation as a whole while identifying, collaborating with and supporting sons and daughters who occupy leadership positions in various tiers of government from the area.
He again applauded Dr Udo on his track record of excellence and promised the group’s partnership to get his deeds into the public glare.
Responding, the Uyo Council boss, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, appreciated the team for visiting and acknowledging his activities. He disclosed that the Nsukara Offot house was one of the 14 Compassionate Homes to be delivered under his administration across the 14 wards in the local government.
The chairman noted that his administration has consistently prioritised education and capacity building, as well as initiatives designed to ensure that the people directly benefit from government resources.
“We are setting Uyo on a trajectory of sustainable development. The template we are setting is one that whoever comes after us must sustain, especially in providing basic benefits like bursaries and entitlements to statutory officers,” he said.
On infrastructure, the chairman disclosed that several projects are ongoing, including the renovation of the Community Health Centre at Atan Offot; rural electrification efforts in communities such as Nung Udoe Ediene, Ebong Akpakpan, Mbiabong Ikot Akpan, Ibiam Street, Ifa Ikot Okpon, Ikot Obio Mkpong, and others, where power is being restored after about five years, as well as the installation of solar-powered water facilities in Ikot Akpan Ediene.
He expressed optimism that many other projects, including compassionate homes, would be completed and handed over before the end of the year.
We will continue to deliver within the limits of available resources,” he added, while also acknowledging the support of stakeholders and traditional institutions, whom he said are carried along with due respect and recognition.
Dr Udo, who doubles as Akwa Ibom ALGON chairman, further called on members of the group to uphold professionalism, fairness and ethical standards in their engagements while advocating for mentorship opportunities for younger media professionals.
