Town Square Meeting: Eno disburses N250m grants, 9 vehicles to 540 beneficiaries
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has continued his empowerment drive with financial grants of ₦250 million and vehicle donations to 540 beneficiaries from Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo Local Government Areas.
The occasion was the Town Square Meeting/Empowerment event for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, held at the Ikot Abasi Local Government Council ground.
This was disclosed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh in a post on his facebook page.
A cursory glance at the list of beneficiaries published in the official event brochure shows that 234 persons were rewarded with ₦117,450,000 under the ARISE Traders Grant; ₦67,500,000 was disbursed to 96 farmers under the ARISE Farmers Scheme; while 195 business owners had their enterprises boosted with equipment ranging from generators, sewing machines, hairdressing machines, barbing kits, among others, through the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme.
Similarly, ₦30 million was shared among six entrepreneurs under the ARISE ₦5 Million MSME Grant, while nine persons received three cars and six minibuses.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno described the area as particularly significant to him, referring to it as the home of his in-laws.
He thanked the people for their overwhelming support during the last general elections.
“We are not just expressing gratitude with words, we are demonstrating it through actions and projects.
We are building schools, providing water, constructing roads, giving grants, and supporting small businesses across the state. These are things that have never happened at this scale before, and everyone — regardless of party — is benefiting.”
He emphasized that the administration’s empowerment initiatives are targeted at ordinary citizens, with no discrimination based on political affiliations, status, or ethnic background.
“We are making sure that even the child of a common man without a godfather can benefit. Names of beneficiaries and the amounts disbursed have been made public. It is transparent and inclusive,” the Governor noted.
Governor Eno revealed that only four federal constituencies remain in the state consultation tour, stating that the purpose is to ensure citizen participation in governance and to allow communities to make input into the state’s budget.
“We are moving forward progressively, linking Akwa Ibom to the centre so we can claim our rightful place.
We must work together — PDP or APC — because we are already in the minority. If we are united, we can get what we truly deserve,” he stated.
Reaffirming his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno urged citizens not to have any fear of the future but to trust in leadership at all levels.
“Believe in us, believe in the President. The future is bright. Under the ARISE Agenda, President Tinubu will return, the Senate President will return, and I will return — all to continue serving you,” he concluded.
In his tone-setting remarks at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency for the warm reception accorded the Governor and his entourage.
Highpoint of the event was the endorsement of the Governor for a second term, following a motion moved by Senator Ekong Sampson and seconded by the House of Assembly member for Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Mrs. Selina Ukpaetu.
