By Our Reporter
No fewer than 620 people from Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency smiled home with cash support ranging from N150,000 to N5,000,000.
The beneficiaries, ranging from farmers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs, were rewarded at Abak Township Stadium during the commencement of the Federal Constituencies Town Hall Meeting/Empowerment Series by Governor Eno.
Six beneficiaries received a five-million-naira grant each, while 178 farmers were awarded N500,000 each under the ARISE Farmers Grant, aimed at supporting agricultural development in the region. 442 other recipients across various sectors received grants ranging from N150,000 to N700,000, based on their business needs.
Additionally, 198 individuals engaged in businesses such as vulcanizing, tailoring, hairdressing, and welding were scheduled for equipment support, ensuring that local businesses had the tools to enhance their work and increase productivity.
Speaking at the event, the Governor encouraged the grant recipients to use the funds wisely. He reiterated his commitment to young people, emphasizing that his administration is focused on empowering the next generation.
*“If there is any governor that will root for you as young people, it is this governor standing here. I want you to roll up your sleeves, study hard, and work hard.
“I will be here to continue to support you. We will always support our people so that they can excel.”*
Emphasizing his commitment to governance and rural development, Governor Eno added:
*“I want to be remembered as a governor who brought governance to rural areas.
“I want to be remembered as a governor who interacted with rural communities so they too can experience the benefits of governance and have access to basic necessities of life.”*
The Governor further stated that his administration’s goal is to uplift rural communities, expand development, and curb rural-urban migration by providing necessary support.
“We came to work with you. We came to expand the frontiers of development in our state. We came to stop rural-urban migration. We came to provide support to our people to ARISE and fulfill their potential.”
Governor Eno also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming endorsements he has received from the people, describing them as inspiring for his future political plans.
*“We remain dedicated to this as long as you continue to support us. Thank you for your overwhelming endorsement of our re-election in 2027.
“We will continue to do what you have elected us to do. I believe that we will come back again before the campaign starts. Thank you for this robust engagement.”*
Looking ahead, the Governor made a promise that resonated with women in the state—the release of 15 minibuses for female commercial drivers. The minibuses are set to be distributed on Tuesday, March 11, in a move aimed at empowering women in the transportation sector.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent stakeholders from the three local government areas, including the local government chairmen—who spoke through the Chairman of Ika, Utibe Nwoko—as well as National Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN; former Attorney General, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN; former Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, MFR; and the Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama.
Others in attendance included Prof. Nkereuwem Etukudo, Provost of the Federal Institute of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, among others.
They all praised the Governor for his laudable programmes and policies and pledged their support for his re-election in 2027.
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, who conveyed the NEEDS programme of the federal constituency, confirmed their decision to support the Governor for eight uninterrupted years.
A high point of the event was a motion for the adoption of Governor Eno till 2031, moved by Etim Ekpo/Ika House of Assembly member, Hon. Mfon Idung, and seconded by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah.
Gifts were presented to the Governor, including food items from women’s farms, goats, cows, and palm fruit seedlings.
