By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom governor has empowered 1,187 persons with N492.7 million farm, trade and business grants in Uyo Federal Constituency.
Pastor Umo Eno disbursed the grants at Uyo Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting which took place at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo, weekend.
Eno, who was elated by the massive turnout said 276 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 628 for the ARISE Traders grant, 263 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight persons benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 got cars and mini buses.
The governor said within the two years of his administration, 116 projects, including roads, health centres, compassionate homes, elderly home, and primary schools have been executed across the Federal Constituency which comprises Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas.
He said the meeting was to receive the Needs Document of the Constituency in order to include them in the 2026 Peoples’ budget, and to give grants to the constituents, as would be done in all other federal constituencies.
The governor said the selection process was powered from the ARISE Youth Employment portal adding that the beneficiaries were qualified citizens of the Federal Constituency.
Eno, who appreciated the people of Uyo for the massive turnout, said it was indicative of their status as the landlords of Government House, and also appreciated the secretary to the State government, SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, for leading his people to unite with the centre, assuring everyone of more development projects.
The state chief executive officer said he received the needs document from the people of Uyo with an open heart, and promised to treat it accordingly, based on availability of funds.
Eno appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal administration for making funds available to States, which, according to him, has made it possible to execute the empowerment scheme, the entrepreneurship support and different development projects.
He directed the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center (Ibom LED) to commence the process of training another 50 persons, each, from all the recognised female and male support groups, for another set of empowerment.
The governor also announced the federal government-funded ward development empowerment initiative for 1000 persons per ward, and urged the people to return to their respective wards to ensure that entrepreneurs at their respective wards partake in the programme.
He called on the people to support the President for a second term in 2027 as well as other APC candidates in the 2027 elections, to further the synergy with him, having enjoyed an overwhelming endorsement as sole candidate for Governorship in the 2027 elections.
Eno, who has since the inception of his administration remained committed to celebrating Akwa Ibomites who are making impacts in their different careers across the world, also took out time to celebrate a daughter of Uyo Federal Constituency, Uduak Otu Ita, deputy commandant, Nigeria Police College, Oji River, Enugu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Commissioner in the Nigerian Police Force, and presented her with a brand new SUV, saying that the stride was a source of encouragement and motivation, especially for the girl child.
He urged everyone to continue to remain united with a focus on the Akwa Ibom project, warning against insulting any leader irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that a united and progressive Akwa Ibom supersedes every other consideration.
“We want to continue to ask you to remain united. Please don’t abuse anybody and when people abuse you, don’t answer them. We want to continue to build this State for our generation and generations unborn,” he said.
Presenting the needs document, the SSG and political leader of Uyo, Uwah, appreciated the governor for the impactful development projects in the Federal Constituency, adding that they have been enjoying double of the projects executed in other federal constituencies, and assured of more support in the 2027 election.
The director-general of campaigns, Amb. Assam Assam, SAN, said having moved round the State with the governor during the 2023 electioneering campaign, he was proud that the governor has kept to his campaign promises.
The local government chairmen, commissioners, House of Assembly members and paramount rulers from the Federal Constituency, as well as non-indigenes, appreciated the governor for all his impactful strides in their domain, and assured him of their continuous support.
High point of the event was the unanimous adoption of the governor as the sole governorship candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency in the 2027 election following a motion moved and seconded by Elder Mark Esset, and Mr Ubong Attah, respectively.
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