By Bassey Nkponam
EKET
Akwa Ibom government has empowered 1,076 indigenes of Eket Federal Constituency with farm, trade and business grants worth over N400 million.
At the Eket Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting and empowerment series, which took place at the Cenotaph by Eket Stadium, Eket Local Government Area, the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, said 268 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 549 for the ARISE Traders grant, 239 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight and 12 individuals benefited from the N5 million MSME grant and the cars and mini buses gifts, respectively.
Eno said the empowerment was for every qualified Akwa Ibomite duly registered with the ARISE empowerment portal, and not tailored to favour any political party, appreciating all across party lines for attending the event, and stressed the need to always distinguish between a party affair and a State affair such as the town square meeting.
He appreciated the people of Eket Federal Constituency for their numerous gift items, saying he was not surprised given that Eket is the land of his rebirth.
“Uyo Senatorial District and Etinan Federal Constituency are the land of my birth, but Eket is the land of my rebirth. It is in this land that I cut my teeth in business. I am overwhelmed by your warm welcome.
“I have received the needs assessment document, we will look at it, but I am not promising you all, we will deliver based on availability of funds,” he said.
He used the opportunity to clear all doubts on his relationship with his political father, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, saying, “Let me say here and now, because we are in Eket Federal Constituency, my political father comes from here. Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no issue between me and my political father, no issue whatsoever. We have moved in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State for today, so that we can pull our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That does not cause any confusion.
“I am his political son, and so he will always earn our respect and support, and I will like to make that assurance to our sons and daughters from Onna. So if anybody tries to insult him, you are doing so at your peril, he is still our father and will continue to earn our respect,” he said.
Eno listed the various projects in the Federal Constituency which is at different stages of completion and promised to do more for the constituency and State in general.
The state chief executive officer, while responding to demands by Eket stakeholders, on the beach and the Qua River Hotel, said government was searching for investors for those projects but urged the host communities to maintain peace to welcome investors, adding that as soon as the lingering legal issues on the Qua River Hotel are settled, government will commence work accordingly.
On the issue of Stubb Creek forest, Eno urged the concerned communities to exercise restrain and caution, as the committee that would be chaired by him, with the deputy governor, speaker of the State House of Assembly, Attorney General and two members each from the concerned communities as members will be inaugurated to lay the issue to rest.
He made known that government will not allow any unapproved building or shanty in the Stubb Creek, and would not hesitate to pull down any of such structure, calling on those in government to create impact within their communities.
Presenting the needs document which was accompanied by numerous gifts items, Ambassador Assam Assam, appreciated the governor for delivering on his campaign promises and assured him of continued support of the people of the area.
Setting the tone for the event, the secretary to the State government, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the federal constituency for all the support before and during the last elections, as well as since the governor assumed office.
Uwah said the visit was to appreciate them with different forms of empowerment packages, and also to listen to their needs which will be added in the 2026 budget.
The chairman of Eket Local Government council, Mr Akaninyene Tommy, who spoke on behalf of other chairmen from the federal constituency, said the mammoth crowd came out to welcome the governor back home, adding, “we are not here for campaign but to celebrate you for all you have done in Eket Federal Constituency. In 2023 we supported and moved around with you for campaign. In 2027, we will also join you to campaign in other federal constituencies, but in Eket which is your home, your votes are intact.”
Other stakeholders, including the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, Senator Helen Esuene, Chief Nduese Essien, Mr Pat Ifon, Senator Bassey Dan Abia Jr, and Mr Samuel Ekpenyong, appreciated the governor for his numerous development initiatives and strides in their respective domains and assured him of their continued support beyond 2027.
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