Gov Eno disburses over N300 million to 677 beneficiaries
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disbursed more than N303 million in grants and business support to 677 beneficiaries in the Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, under various categories of the ARISE Empowerment Programme.
The disbursement, which took place at the Itu Local Government Council Secretariat Arena, saw 223 persons benefit from the ARISE Farmers Grant, 309 from the ARISE Traders Grant, and 135 from the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme. In addition, four beneficiaries received N5 million each under the ARISE MSME Grant, while six others received cars and minibuses.
Governor Eno emphasized that the initiative is open to all qualified Akwa Ibomites, regardless of political affiliation, through the ARISE Empowerment Portal. “The process for selecting beneficiaries was purely based on merit and not political considerations. Hunger does not recognize political party, tribe or religion,” he said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
He urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants responsibly and announced that requests captured in the Needs Document presented by constituency stakeholders would be reviewed and addressed as resources permit.
Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, noted that the initiative also served as an opportunity for the Governor to interact directly with constituents and consider their input in the formulation of the 2026 budget.
In his remarks, Member representing Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ime Okon, commended the Governor for infrastructural projects executed in the area, including model schools, roads, and health centres. He described the town hall meeting as a mark of responsive leadership.
The Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kufre Edidem, later presented the constituency’s Needs Document, highlighting issues such as poor road infrastructure and environmental challenges, and appealed for urgent government attention.
Chairmen of Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs, Hon. Ubong Wilson Nkut and Hon. Asuakak Umoh, along with other political and community leaders—including Senator Ita Enang and former SSG Obongawan Grace Ekong—praised the Governor for his inclusive and impactful governance. Ekong, speaking on behalf of women in the constituency, lauded the administration’s health and education interventions and pledged support for Governor Eno’s re-election in 2027.
