By The Evangelist News
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has empowered over 664 farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency with N260 million grants when he hosted the 3rd Town Square meeting in the Constituency.
A breakdown of the grants shows that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders received N125 million, six beneficiaries of the Small Medium Enterprises got N5million each while 184 were beneficiaries of equipment support, and nine got cars of different types.
Governor Eno presented the grants during the Town Square meeting organized for Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium.
The State Chief Executive enjoined the beneficiaries to make use of the grant judiciously to grow their enterprises, better their lives and those of their families, urging them to be prudent in the management of the funds as there was no second chance for those who have benefitted in the scheme.
Governor Eno assured that the Needs Document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation, and also commended the people of the Federal Constituency for their support which he acknowledged has enabled him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
“Today, we came to say to Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, thank you for your support and for the work you have done.
“We have received the Needs Document and I like to say this clearly. This Needs Document is part of what the law requires before preparing a budget. You must engage with the people and that is what we have done by going to the federal constituencies to enhance citizens’ engagement. We will compile it and use it accordingly, though we might not be able to bring everything in, we will implement it according to available funds. So 2026 budget will be the people’s budget.
Earlier, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while welcoming the Governor to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, thanked him for the numerous life-touching projects he has executed in the Federal Constituency.
He appreciated the Governor for empowering the constituents with business grants, noting that Akwa Ibom would be a greater place if successive administrations would emulate and sustain his inclusive leadership style.
The Senate President who was represented by his wife, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, urged the constituents to work in unison towards ensuring that Akwa Ibom grows beyond religious, political and tribal barriers; and restated his commitment to supporting the Governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation.
In his goodwill message, the Member representing Ikot Ekpene-Obot Akara and Essien Udim Federal Constituency, Honourable Patrick Umoh commended Governor Eno for the town-square meeting initiative, describing it as a true demonstration of democracy.
Umoh, who is an APC member, thanked Governor Eno for his inclusive leadership style, assuring him of the constituents’ commitment and support in the 2027 general elections.
He later moved a motion for Gov. Eno’s return to the Hilltop Mansion and this was unanimously endorsed by the constituents.
The Political Leader of Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien while presenting the Needs Document to the Governor, appreciated him for his inclusive and pragmatic leadership which according to him, has transformed the constituency in terms of human capital and infrastructural development, noting that within the last 20 months, over 42 life-touching projects have been executed in the Constituency.
He explained that the Needs Document was a compilation of the critical needs of the people of Ikot Ekpene, Obot Akara and Essien Udim LGAs which make up the Federal Constituency, expressing hope that the needs will be addressed accordingly to bring succour to the people.
On his part, Ambassador Asam Asam who presented cheques to the beneficiaries, thanked the Governor for unifying the State and expressed appreciation to the Senate President for supporting the Umo Eno-led administration.
Ambassador Asam noted that the empowerment programme was in fulfillment of promises the Governor made during his electioneering campaign and advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the grants to improve their businesses.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of the three Local Government Areas in the Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Nkom Nkom, commended the Governor for his developmental and transformative initiatives in the Constituency, reiterating their commitment to supporting the Governor for another term come 2027.
Other speakers included Hon. Nsikak Ekong for the State Exco Members, and Prince Ukpong Akpabio for State House of Assembly members. They all applauded the Governor for impacting the lives of Ikot Ekpene people, and reaffirmed their unalloyed support.
