•Donates Toyota Prado, Strada for immediate takeoff
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expanded his political mobilisation effort with the inauguration of a nationwide network of Renewed Hope Agenda Ambassadors, appointing leading figures from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
As part of that plan, the President named Prince Ikim, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), as Renewed Hope Ambassador and coordinator for Akwa Ibom State.
The announcement comes as the federal government rolls out the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises renewed emphasis on economic stability, social development, and good governance across the country.
According to the presidency, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors network will have national and zonal coordinators for different geopolitical zones, as Gov Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, emerged as the National Coordinator.
Other zonal coordinators reportedly include: Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, South-South; Isah Yuguda, North-East; Aminu Bello Masari, North-West; Anyim Pius Anyim, South-East; Oladipupo Otinbande, South-West; and Tanko Al-Makura, North-Central.
The initiative is evidently aimed at giving the administrations Renewed Hope Agenda both national reach and local grounding, especially through state-level coordinating ambassadors tasked with mobilising support, engaging communities, and communicating government policies.
Why Prince Ikim and what it means for Akwa Ibom
Prince Ikim, appointed as the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Akwa Ibom State, has served as Chairman of AKSEPWMA since 2018. He is widely known as a grassroots mobiliser with substantial influence in state political circles, particularly for his organisational capacity in rallying support groups.
Recent events highlight his capacity: immediately after the decision by Umo Eno to activate the Progressive Movement into the governing party (APC), Prince Ikim mobilised over five thousand youths under the name, “FOCUS”, clad in white uniform, to welcome and celebrate Governor Enos arrival, demonstrating his strength in youth mobilisation and political activism.
Given this background, many analysts see President Tinubus decision to appoint Prince Ikim as both strategic and the government is banking on his proven mobilising strength to galvanise support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
As a Renewed Hope Ambassador, Prince Ikim and his colleagues will be tasked with the public promotion of the administrations achievements and agenda, communicating the governments progress in economic stabilisation, infrastructure development, social welfare, and security to citizens across their states.
President Tinubu has already asked his ambassadors to work closely with the leadership of his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), provincial governors, and other stakeholders to ensure that the Renewed Hope message reaches grassroots communities nationwide.
The move is also widely seen as part of the broader mobilisation strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, a way to ensure that the administrations narrative, policies, and promises are clearly communicated to Nigerians, and to build political momentum across regions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government reportedly handed over brand-new vehicles to the 37 state coordinators (including FCT) each coordinator receiving two vehicles: a Toyota Prado and a Toyota Q-Strada (or Q-Stater).
This logistical support underscores the governments intention to give the Renewed Hope Ambassadors the means to effectively cover their states and carry out outreach and mobilisation efforts.
Speaking with WatchmanPost on the implication of Ikim’s appointment for Akwa Ibom, Richard Okon said it suggests potential renewed political activism and grassroots mobilisation in the state.
He said, “It may also signal a strengthening of the influence of the APC in the state, as well as a concerted push to rally support among youths and support groups.
“Nationally, the creation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors corps reflects a concerted effort by the Tinubu administration to institutionalise its communication and engagement strategy, merging governance outreach, party mobilisation, and grassroots sensitisation under a unified brand.
“If effectively leveraged, the network could deepen citizens awareness of government policies, promote nationwide buy-in for reforms, and enhance political cohesion within the ruling party ahead of 2027.”
