Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reinforced his administration’s commitment to grassroots development and economic empowerment by disbursing ₦492.7 million in grants to 1,187 residents of Uyo Federal Constituency.
The event took place during the Uyo Federal Constituency Town Square Meeting, a public engagement forum held at the Ibom Hall Grounds in Uyo, which drew a large crowd of enthusiastic constituents.
The distribution covered multiple categories of support aimed at boosting agriculture, small-scale trading, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Among the beneficiaries were 276 farmers, who received funding under the ARISE Farmers Grant to expand agricultural production; 628 traders, supported through the ARISE Traders Grant to strengthen market-based businesses; and 263 entrepreneurs, who benefited from the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme, receiving essential tools and machinery to scale their operations.
In addition, eight Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were awarded a combined ₦5 million grant to support business expansion, while 12 beneficiaries received brand-new cars and mini-buses to facilitate transportation and commercial activities.
Governor Eno revealed that in just two years of his administration, 116 development projects have been executed across Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Attai, and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas.
These projects span infrastructure development—including new and rehabilitated roads, health centres, primary schools, and compassionate homes for vulnerable groups—reflecting his administration’s focus on both physical infrastructure and social welfare.
The governor explained that the town square meeting was not only an empowerment platform but also an opportunity to gather the constituency’s Needs Assessment Document for inclusion in the 2026 People’s Budget. He assured that the empowerment drive would be sustained across all constituencies, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
Governor Eno commended the ARISE Youth Employment Portal, which facilitated the selection of beneficiaries through a transparent and merit-based process, thereby eliminating favouritism and political bias.
He praised the people of Uyo for their impressive turnout and expressed gratitude to the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, for his support in mobilising community participation.
He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in releasing funds to states, which, he said, has provided a financial backbone for various empowerment and development programmes in Akwa Ibom.
Looking ahead, Governor Eno directed the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Center to train 50 members from each recognised support group in preparation for the next phase of empowerment initiatives.
Additionally, he announced a federal government–funded ward-level empowerment programme, which will benefit 1,000 persons in every ward, further expanding economic opportunities across the state.
In his address, the governor urged residents to remain united, avoid divisive politics or personal attacks against leaders, and continue supporting President Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 general elections to sustain the developmental partnership between the state and the federal government.
The event also featured a moment of celebration for Uyo-born Uduak Otu Ita, recently promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police. In recognition of her achievements and as encouragement to other young women in public service, Governor Eno presented her with a brand-new SUV.
The gathering concluded with a symbolic political statement—participants at the town hall unanimously adopted Pastor Umo Eno as the sole governorship candidate of Uyo Federal Constituency for the 2027 elections, signalling overwhelming local support for his re-election bid.