Umo Eno’s town hall and empowerment series, by James Edet

On Saturday, 8th March 2025, the Abak Township Stadium transformed into a vibrant symphony of hope and accountability as the people of Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency welcomed the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, and officials of his government to the historic commencement of the statewide ARISE Town Hall Meeting and Empowerment Series for each of the ten federal constituencies of state. The meeting was a charming carnival, celebrating enthusiastic constituents, resplendent with vibrant attires, joyous laughter, and the rhythmic pulse of traditional and modern music, creating a lively atmosphere filled with pomp and pageantry.

This extraordinary converge not only symbolised the fulfilment of a critical campaign promise but also provided an essential platform for the Governor to present a scorecard of his nearly two years in office. It embodied the core tenets of the administration’s visionary ARISE Agenda—a meticulously crafted blueprint aimed at fostering economic vitality, community empowerment, and robust engagement among the people of Akwa Ibom State. The Town Hall Meeting also gave Governor Eno the opportunity to engage with the people of the federal constituency, collecting and collating valuable feedback and input through their NEEDS document for the development of the 2026 People’s Budget.

As the sun cast its warm rays upon the gathering, joy and anticipation electrified the atmosphere, giving way to a palpable sense of unity. Governor Eno seized this moment to engage directly with constituents in the Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, affirming his commitment to inclusive governance. The Town Hall Meeting also encapsulated the essence of the Governor’s vision: transcending all boundaries to create a dynamic platform where the government and citizens could converge in meaningful dialogue. The event vividly illustrated the principles woven into the fabric of the ARISE Agenda—principles grounded in accountability, empowerment, and genuine public service.

A crowning highlight of the ARISE Town Hall and Empowerment Series of Governor Umo Eno in Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency was the commencement of the statewide monumental ₦4 billion disbursement of empowerment grants to small businesses. In a remarkable and unprecedented display of empowerment, over 620 constituents from the federal constituency emerged from the Town Hall empowered with renewed hope for a brighter future, following the receipt of financial assistance ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦5,000,000. This initiative provided significant benefits to a variety of groups, including farmers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Notably, six individuals each secured a substantial grant of ₦5 million, while 178 farmers received ₦500,000 each through the ARISE Farmers Grant, which is designed to enhance agricultural development within the constituency. Additionally, tailored grants ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦700,000 were awarded to 442 recipients across diverse sectors, addressing their specific business needs.

To further encourage local entrepreneurship, particular focus was placed on 198 individuals engaged in trades such as vulcanising, tailoring, hairdressing, welding, and other vocations. These beneficiaries received essential tools to improve their efficiency and productivity, thereby making meaningful contributions to the local economy. This comprehensive approach to empowering individuals within the local government areas in the federal constituency underscores a commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth in rural areas and ensuring that every recipient is adequately supported in their respective endeavours, in alignment with the ARISE Agenda blueprint of Governor Umo Eno.

“We have come to present our scorecard to you and, at the same time, listen to your complaints and the areas where we can improve our deliverables. We have also come with bags of goodies in the form of empowerment initiatives to ensure that the impact of government is felt at the grassroots level”, proclaimed Governor Eno passionately.

“I want to be remembered as the Governor who brought governance to the rural areas so that they too can experience the fragrance of governance,” the Governor further emphasised.

The Town Hall Meeting represented a transformative departure from political governance, placing citizen engagement at the forefront. By incorporating the NEEDS document into this initiative—a crucial instrument for gathering valuable community feedback to shape the much-anticipated 2026 People’s Budget—Governor Eno underscored the administration’s commitment to responsive governance. His message was clear: the voices of the citizens would not only be heard but would also echo throughout every decision made by the government.

Moreover, the ARISE Town Hall Meeting marks the inception of a sweeping initiative set to encompass all ten Federal Constituencies in the state. Having launched its debut in Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika, this expansive programme aims to touch the lives of residents in each constituency throughout each season. This ambitious rollout highlights the administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that no community is left untouched by the ripple effect of progress.
Emphasising the importance of widespread participation in the governance process, Governor Eno highlighted that each of the ten constituencies in the state has unique strengths and challenges. He assured constituents that his government is committed to ensuring every voice in Akwa Ibom is heard, stating that the ARISE Agenda is designed to bring tangible benefits and renewed hope to all parts of the state.

A significant high point of the Town Hall Meeting was the unanimous endorsement of Governor Eno for a second term in office from 2027 to 2031 by the constituents of Abak, Etim Ekpo, and Ika Federal Constituency. This motion was proudly moved by the Member representing the Etim Ekpo/Ika State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mfon Idung, and seconded by the Commissioner for Information and the former Member who represented the federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Aniekan Umanah. This endorsement came after stakeholders from each Local Government Area if the federal constituency, including the immediate past Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo; the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong; the Itai Afe Annang, Akuku Blaise Awakama; and other leaders, spoke glowingly of the Governor’s superlative performance in office thus far.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the stadium, participants left the Town Hall invigorated and inspired. The pulsating energy in the air was a testament to the reality that the seeds of empowerment had been sown, firmly rooting themselves in the aspirations of the people. The ARISE Town Hall Meeting hosted by Governor Umo Eno stands as a powerful affirmation that campaign promises can indeed evolve into reality, setting a precedent for future initiatives.

Under Governor Eno’s compassionate leadership, the ARISE Agenda blueprint emerges as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards engagement and empowerment. This transformative journey invites the citizens of Akwa Ibom to become active architects of their future, imbuing the vision of progress with the echoes of their voices and the strength of their aspirations. In this dynamic embrace of community and leadership, the ARISE Agenda initiative positions Akwa Ibom State to flourish, bolstered by the unwavering spirit of its people.

–Edet, a Permanent Secretary, writes from the Ministry of Information, Akwa Ibom State