Empowerment: Over 400 Get Business Grants, Equipment 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has empowered over 400 people with business grants, cars and other packages, at a Town Square meeting with the people of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.

At the meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, 154 constituents benefited from the Traders Grant, 116 benefited from the Farmers Grant, four got N5 Million each for the MSME Grant, and 131 were beneficiaries of the equipment support initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Governor tasked the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources put at their disposal, warning beneficiaries to desist from deploying it to ponzi schemes or any other unintended purpose.

The Governor said he was determined to ensure that his administration is indeed a government of the people, for the people and by the people, adding that the town square is an avenue to meet and interact with the people, feel their pulse, and ascertain their needs to be included in the 2026 budget.

“We need to meet with the people from time to time to see them. It’s not only during elections that we should come to see our people. We also have to come and see you in the course of governance, to check your wellbeing, to listen to you, tell you what we have done, and what we are planning to do.

This is the fourth federal constituency we have visited, we have six more to go and we will finish all in time for the budget department to capture the needs in the 2026 budget.

“We will go through your requests and tell you the ones we have decided to do, based on available funds. We might not be able to do all, but whatever is left we will add to subsequent budgets.

Read Also: Gov. Eno Doles Out N335m Grants To Farmers, Entrepreneurs In Oron Federal Constituency

“We will always work with the people because this government is of the people, for the people, and by the people,” he added.

The Governor who later stopped to inspect the ongoing construction of a general hospital in Ukanafun, directed that the contractor should double efforts to ensure that it is completed before September 2025.

Presenting the needs document of the federal Constituency, a former House of Representatives member and Political leader of Ukanafun LGA, Obong Eno Akpan applauded the Governor for the laudable projects executed in the area, and also expressed hope that their needs as contained in the document, will be captured in the 2026 budget accordingly.

He assured that the people of the Federal Constituency will continue to support Governor Eno beyond 2027.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the ruling PDP in the State, Elder Aniekan Akpan, affirmed the support of the elders to the Governor’s leadership philosophy, his projects and programmes across the State, and especially, for enhancing a united Akwa Ibom State.

He said the PDP had earlier in the year endorsed Governor Eno for a second term, which according to him opened the flood gate for chains of endorsement across all the federal constituencies.

The Deputy State Chairman of APC, Dr Umo Essien said the leadership style of Pastor Umo Eno has endeared him to all across party lines, and pledged the support of his party to the Governor’s reelection in 2027.

Other speakers included the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy,Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun LGA, Akuku Engr. Amos Akpan, Ukanafun Local Government Chairman, Prince Uyo Ukpanah, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, who all described the Governor as a man with unique leadership qualities who is committed to the well-being of his people, while assuring of continuous support.

While setting the tone, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah said the Town Square was borne out of the Governor’s desire to ensure inclusivity, and applauded the Governor for his leadership and for appointments of several aides from the federal Constituency.

Highpoint of the event was the endorsement of Governor Eno for a second term following a motion moved by the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Hon. Unyime Idem, and seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly, Hon.Sampson Idiong.