Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has empowered 1187 persons with N492.7m farm, trade, and business grants in Uyo Federal Constituency at Town Square Meeting held at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo.
Governor Eno said 276 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 628 for the ARISE Traders grant, 263 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight persons benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 got cars and mini buses.
The Governor noted within the two years of his administration, 116 projects, including roads, health centres, compassionate homes, elderly home, and primary schools have been executed across the Federal Constituency which comprises Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Attai and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs.
While receiving the Needs document of the Constituency for inclusion in the 2026 Peoples’ budget, he promised to treat it accordingly, based on availability of funds.
The Governor said the selection process of the empowerment programme was through the ARISE Youth Employment portal and that the beneficiaries were qualified citizens of the Federal Constituency.
He directed the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center (Ibom LED) to commence the process of training another 50 persons each from all the recognised female and male support groups, for another set of empowerment.
The Governor also announced the federal government-funded ward development empowerment initiative for 100O persons per ward, and urged the people to return to their respective wards to ensure that entrepreneurs at their respective wards partake in the programme.
Governor Eno who has since inception of his administration remained committed to celebrating Akwa Ibomites who are making impacts in their different careers across the world, also took out time to celebrate, Ms Uduak Otu Ita, Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Police College, Oji River, Enugu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Commissioner in the Nigerian Police Force, and presented her with a brand new SUV, saying that the stride was a source of encouragement and motivation especially for the girl child.
He urged everyone to continue to remain united with a focus on the Akwa Ibom project, warning against insulting any leader irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that a united and progressive Akwa Ibom supercedes every other consideration.
“We want to continue to ask you to remain united. Please don’t abuse anybody and when people abuse you, don’t answer them. We want to continue to build this state for our generation and generations unborn,” he said.
Presenting the needs document, the Secretary to the State Government and political leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the Governor for the impactful development projects in the Federal Constituency, adding that they have been enjoying double of the projects executed in other federal constituencies.
Earlier, the local government chairmen, Commissioners, House of Assembly members and Paramount Rulers from the Federal Constituency, as well as non indigenes, appreciated the Governor for all his impactful strides in their domain, and assured him of their continuous support.
