By Solomon Okpo
Etinan, Governor Umo Eno has concluded his six-month Town Square Meeting and Empowerment Series with the distribution of grants and equipment to 844 beneficiaries in Etinan Federal Constituency, bringing the total number of empowered Akwa Ibomites across the state to 7,688.
The Governor, who presided over the grand finale at the Nsit Ubium Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, disclosed that the initiative injected over ₦10 billion in farming, trading, transport, and small-scale enterprise support, including cars and mini buses.
Beneficiaries were selected through the ARISE Portal, which the Governor described as a transparent system that guarantees equal opportunity. He maintained that his administration would not allocate empowerment slots to individuals, but instead allow every citizen, especially the youth, to access government programmes fairly.
Governor Eno said though the series had ended, his administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare would continue. He revealed that all constituency needs documents had been received and would be incorporated into the 2026 budget “subject to the availability of funds.”
Highlighting other development plans, the Governor announced the construction of youth centres in all local government areas and official residences for council chairmen to strengthen local governance. He further directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, to begin the design process for a dual carriageway linking Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom to Itreto in Nsit Ubium.
The event also took on a political dimension, as stakeholders including the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, and prominent leaders such as Obong Umana Okon Umana and General Paul Isang (rtd), commended Governor Eno’s achievements and endorsed him for a second term.
In a dramatic conclusion, a motion moved by Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon. Eric Akpan led to the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno as the sole candidates for the 2027 presidential and gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State.
The State APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, while presenting empowerment items, described the massive turnout as both a vote of confidence and a political endorsement of Governor Eno’s leadership.
Governor Eno urged party members to participate actively in the ongoing APC membership registration and INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration exercise, stressing unity and loyalty to national and state leadership.
