A rare act of love and charity by Idoteyin Eti Umana, the reigning Mr Akwa Ibom USA 2025/2026, has etched a lasting memory in the educational landscape of Akwa Ibom State.
The emergence of Umana as Mr Akwa Ibom at the annual festival of the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) in August 2025 gave birth to his community development project, Footprint of Hope.
Today, that endeavour has brought meaningful stories of blessings to pupils in Akwa Ibom State.
It is heartwarming that Mr Akwa Ibom USA, in his community development project, remembered his roots – Akwa Ibom State – by initiating the shoes support scheme for school children. Backed by Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), USA, the AKISAN Metropolitan Detroit Chapter, family, friends and well-wishers, he initiated a $10,000.00 charity fund through which he has provided over 662 shoes, free of charge, to pupils in selected schools across the three senatorial districts of the state – Akwa Ibom North-East, Akwa Ibom South and Akwa Ibom North-West.
The Footprint of Hope has equipped hundreds of schoolchildren with the footwear they need to attend school safely and with dignity. The beneficiary schools are St James African Church Primary School, Okopedi Itiam in Uyo LGA; St. John’s Primary School, Ikot Ayan Itam in Itu LGA; Holy Child Catholic Primary School, Nung Udoe Itak, Ikono LGA; and QIC Primary School, Okon Town, Ikot Abasi LGA.
As Mr Akwa Ibom, USA kick-started the presentation exercise at St James African Church Primary School, Okopedi Itiam, Uyo Local Government Area, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by 11 am, it was a jubilation galore by pupils, teachers, community leaders, royal fathers and officials of the Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State, who converged in large numbers to receive gifts from the august visitor.
Related: Mr Akwa Ibom USA Initiates Shoes Support Scheme For School Children In Akwa Ibom State
The head teacher of the St James’ African Church Primary School, Okopedi Itiam, Uyo, Mrs Umana Simon Udoh, aptly captured the mood of the pupils and school and described the shoes not as a gift but as an investment. She echoed, “On behalf of the entire St James’ School family, I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and joy. Sir, your donation of essential educational aid, such as school sandals, to our learners is not just a gift but an investment, as this will go a long way to protecting their feet and adding beauty and neatness to their dress.
“In a world where access to quality education remains a challenge to many, your generosity is a beacon of hope and a sign that we as a school are not forgotten. Thank you for remembering your roots.
“Today is a special and memorable day for us because your presence here shows love, kindness and concern for the future of the young ones. What you have done is not only thoughtful but also transformational. You have given our future leaders tools to dream bigger, learn better and aim higher.
“As a result of your generosity, the staff, students and even the student-teachers of St James’ Primary School are ending the school year on a happy note. To say thank you is not enough. But today we say it from the depths of our hearts, thank you for selecting our school and placing value on us. Thank you for believing in the power of education.”
In his remark at the ceremony, Engr Mbong Ekiko, national president of AKISAN USA, extended a heartfelt commendation and appreciation of the body to Mr Idoteyin Umana, Mr AKISAN USA, for making the trip back home to Akwa Ibom State to execute an outstanding humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting school children across the state through the Footprints of Hope Shoe Drive Empowerment Project.
Ekiko said the “noble initiative to provide shoes to students in selected schools across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State is truly commendable and reflects the spirit of compassion, service and community empowerment that AKISAN USA proudly stands for.
“The initiative also aligns strongly with the Educational Advancement pillar of the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, by supporting and encouraging young students in their educational journey. Through this very important effort, hundreds of children in our Akwa Ibom State community will receive the footwear they need to attend school safely, confidently and with dignity.”
Represented by Mr Itoro Akpan Iquot, a former president of AKISAN, Engr. Ekiko said the AKISAN community in the USA was very proud of Idoteyin Umana. He said, “As you carry out your initiative, please know that we are proud of you. Your entire AKISAN USA organisation stands solidly behind you and fully supports this impactful mission.
“Your dedication to uplifting the next generation and giving hope to our children is inspiring. You are demonstrating leadership not just in words, but through meaningful action that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of many families and communities.”
Engr. Ekiko also advised the pupils who are beneficiaries to know that “your brothers and sisters in the United States of America encourage you to use this opportunity as added inspiration and motivation to study hard, dream big and strive for absolute excellence. The future belongs to you, and with determination, discipline and education, you can go on to accomplish great things for yourselves, your families and our society.”
The paramount ruler of Uyo Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Sylvanus Effiong Okon, praised Mr Akwa Ibom USA for the gesture, describing it as a very rare act of magnanimity which deserves commendations.
Represented by Eteidung Precious Udoh, village head of Ifa Ikot Abia Ntuen, Etoi Clan, Uyo, the paramount ruler also extended his appreciation to AKISAN USA for always being thoughtful of their home state, Akwa Ibom.
The Ministry of Education, Akwa Ibom State, represented by its officials, Mrs Ememobong Ubak and Mrs Emediong Paulinus, conveyed the appreciation of the ministry to Mr Akwa Ibom USA.
Another special guest at the historic event, Dr Itanwan James, who is a delivery advisor to the governor on the Oluremi Tinubu Senior Citizens Centre, Akwa Ibom State, praised Idoteyin Umana for his gallantry since emerging as Mr Akwa Ibom, USA.
“Incidentally, I was the chairman of the organising committee for Mr Akwa Ibom, USA and Miss Akwa Ibom, USA, respectively. It wasn’t an easy contest for both categories. I am happy that Idoteyin Umana has justified his election,” she said.
In his address at the presentation ceremony, Mr Akwa Ibom, USA – 2025/2026, Umana, expressed deep joy for the event.
Accompanied by an entourage which included his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Eti Umana; Dr Effiong Umanah, Mr Nsuhodeidem Okon, and others, he said, “It is with joy that I stand before you today not just as Mr Akwa Ibom, USA, but as a young man with a heart committed to service, compassion and hope. Besides, this is my beloved state, Akwa Ibom.”
Umana said the Footprints of Hope was an initiative very close to his heart. “Today, we launch an initiative close to my heart titled ‘Footprints of Hope’. Every day across Akwa Ibom State, many children wake up early with dreams in their hearts and determination in their spirits. They walk long distances to school under the hot sun, through rough roads, muddy paths and sharp stones, all without shoes.
“For many people, shoes may seem ordinary. But for these children, shoes mean protection. Shoes mean dignity. Shoes mean confidence. Walking barefoot exposes our children to injuries, infections and the painful feeling of going without. No child should have to suffer simply because they lack something so basic.
“That is why I am passionate about making sure our children have shoes. Because when a child has shoes, they walk taller. When a child has shoes, they feel seen. When a child has shoes, they stay in school. And most importantly, when a child has shoes, they begin to believe that they belong, that they matter and that they are worthy of care, opportunity and a brighter future.
“Footprints of Hope” is more than a donation project. It is a message to every child which says, “You are important. Your dreams matter. Your future matters.”
As Mr Akwa Ibom, I believe that leadership is not only about titles or appearances. True leadership is about using your platform to touch lives, uplift communities and inspire change. Today, we are not just giving out shoes. We are giving confidence. We are encouraging. We are giving hope,” he said amidst thunderous ovation.
He appreciated AKISAN Metro Detroit Chapter, USA, every sponsor, volunteer, teacher, parent and supporter who joined hands to make his vision possible, adding that “Your kindness is helping to shape a generation of children who can walk boldly toward their future.”
Umana encouraged, “Every child receiving a pair of shoes today, never stop believing in yourself. Never stop dreaming. Your background does not define your destination. You are strong, you are capable, and you are destined for greatness. May these shoes carry you into classrooms, into opportunities and one day into the fulfilment of your dreams.”
With a note of finality, he enthused, “Together, let us continue to leave footprints of hope wherever we go.”
Earlier in an interview, Idoteyin Eti Umana, who is 20 years old, said he was born and raised in Detroit, USA, by parents who are indigenes of Akwa Ibom State from Ikot Ayan Itam in Itu Local Government Area.
Umana said from the initial four schools where shoes have been given to pupils, the scope will be expanded as he aims to share with a total of 10 schools, explaining that his initiative – the Footprints of Hope, is not only an act of kindness but also a powerful investment in the future and dignity of our children. “So with each shoe delivered, we hope to inspire the next generation to dream of becoming useful citizens, venture into good careers and aspirations through education.
He said that Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN), USA Inc., which is a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage, unity and socio-economic progress of Akwa Ibom indigenes in the Diaspora and in our Land of Promise, Akwa Ibom State.
“Footprints of Hope” is an initiative not just for today but also for the future. I hope to use this platform to continue my humanitarian calling, like my father, who is a great educator, and my mother, a great nurse, to help our youths in any aspect that will lead to a successful and fruitful life. I plan to stay engaged as a member of AKISAN, Metro Detroit Chapter, to further the development of leadership and other initiatives that may benefit our people both here and abroad,” he added.
Speaking directly to the youth of Akwa Ibom, he said, “There is value in education. I am currently attending university. I have benefited greatly from schooling. I want to encourage all of you to continue your own education. It is the key to a better life.”
Mr Akwa Ibom, USA, during the visit to Akwa Ibom State, paid a courtesy call on the executive chairman of Uyo Local Government, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, who gladly received him at the council headquarters, Uyo. He also paid homage to the Paramount Ruler of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong III.
Mr Akwa Ibom, USA, also paid a courtesy call on the Executive Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien.
