Uko Okon
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has empowered 540 traders with N250 million grants in Ikot Abasi federal constituency of the state.
This was accompanied by equipment support in agriculture and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Eno delivered this during a town Square Meeting on Friday with the people of Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo LGAs, which make up the Ikot Abasi federal constituency.
He said the meeting was intentionally arranged to thank the people for their support before, during, and after 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, but 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 empowerment – 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 a party or group basis, but on the basis of our right as Akwa Ibomites.
Pastor Eno disclosed that all beneficiaries’ names, trades, phone numbers, and grant amounts are published in the official event brochure, demonstrating the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness.”*
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 to the people that the State needed to move progressively to feel the full impact of the Federal Government.
“Believe in us. Believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the future is bright. 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.
“Now, we are coming together across party lines, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and Pastor Umo Eno in 2027, must return for their second terms in office,” he stated.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the meeting was an avenue to bring the government closer to the people and listen to their needs, which will eventually form the 2026 budget.
The Chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, who spoke on behalf of other LG Chairmen of the constituency, described Governor Eno as a visionary leader, a promise keeper, and a lover of good things.
He thanked the Governor for all the projects he has executed in the Federal Constituency, especially good roads, education, health facilities, and other numerous impactful projects that have improved the living conditions of constituents.
Presenting a goodwill message on behalf of the constituency’s youth, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Mr. Iniobong Akpan, thanked Governor Eno for not excluding the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency from the execution of his projects.
He expressed delight at Governor Eno’s numerous empowerment programmes and reassured him of the unwavering support of the constituency’s youth, irrespective of future political development.
