Over 540 beneficiaries from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency have been empowered with N250 million grants in trade, agriculture and equipment support, as well as in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises support of the ARISE Empowerment Scheme.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, delivered the empowerment support during a Town-Square Meeting with the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.
Governor Eno said the meeting was intentionally arranged to return to the people in appreciation for their support before, and during the governorship election and for the past two years of his administration.
“Thank you for the massive support that you gave us during the elections. We have returned to say ‘thank you’, and not only are we saying it by mouth, we are also saying it with projects in Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs.
“We have opened up rural communities; we have given rural roads; we have opened up from Mkpat Enin into the Secretariat of Eastern Obolo a dual-carriage road. These are things that have not happened before, and we have focused on the development of our rural communities.
“We have given water, we are building schools and hospitals. Beyond all that, we are giving physical empowerments – giving grants to farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises,” he explained.
Speaking further, he said, “We are making it possible for the child of a common man, who has no godfather or godmother, but applied through the portal to be screened and given a grant. We are making it go round, not on party or group basis, but on the basis of our right as Akwa Ibomites.
Pastor Eno disclosed that names of the beneficiaries, their trades and their phone numbers, and the amounts given to them are all published in the official event brochure to show transparency that government can be fair.
He acknowledged the receipt of the people’s “Needs Assessment Document,” reiterating that the idea behind the document’s submission is to get the people to continue to participate in governance; to have a voice so that when the government is preparing the 2026 budget, the people’s demands can be easily accommodated.
“We are running a people-oriented government, and we want everyone to participate and be proud of this government. What is however more important is that we are progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the centre, to belong, to get its rights, and be counted”, he said.
The Governor intimated the people of the need for the State to move progressively to feel the full impact of the Federal Government.
“And, we will continue to run on our ARISE Agenda, on a united Akwa Ibom to work together because United, we stand, divided, we fall. We are coming together across party lines.” he stated.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah said the meeting was an avenue to take government closer to the people and listen to their needs that will eventually make up the 2026 budget.
Leading the Chairmen of the three Local Government Areas that make up the Federal Constituency, the Chairman, Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Mr Ime Williamson Essien described Governor Eno as a visionary leader, a promise keeper and a lover of good things who will be remembered for demystifying and simplifying leadership during his time.
Mr Essien thanked the Governor for all the impactful projects he has executed in the Federal Constituency especially as regards good roads, education, health facilities which have improved the living standards of the people.
In a goodwill on behalf of youths of the area, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Mr Iniobong Akpan expressed delight tat the Governor’s numerous empowerment programmes and reassured him of the unwavering support of youths of the constituency.
He described Governor Eno as a good servant and great leader with immense integrity.
Source; Ikechuckwu Agbamegbue, FRCN, Uyo.
