Uyo Infomedia News Feature:

By Dennis Udoma

In what many described as a people-centered outreach, Governor Umo Eno has empowered 476 constituents of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency with grants worth over N239 million, aimed at boosting farming, trading, and small-scale enterprises.

The empowerment cheques were presented at the Town Square Meeting for the Federal Constituency held at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo on Thursday, August 21, 2025, marking another milestone in the Governor’s grassroots-driven initiative.

Governor Eno, explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from the ARISE Youth Employment portal, a digital platform designed to create equal access to opportunities.

He urged young people across Akwa Ibom to embrace the system, describing it as a transparent and fair process to ensure that “those who have no one” can benefit from government programmes.

“My mission is to help those who have nobody. I became Governor by the grace of God, not because I had anyone. So, I must also allow the same grace to reach others.

“Don’t wait for slots or connections; register on the portal, and if you are qualified, you will be empowered,” he declared.

The Governor emphasized that his administration is committed to running a democracy that truly reflects the will of the people, noting that data and technology now drive governance and accountability.

He announced that the grants disbursed to the Ikono/Ini beneficiaries totaled N239,150,000, stressing that names and contacts of recipients were available for verification.

Beyond financial empowerment, Governor Eno reassured stakeholders that his administration will address pressing developmental concerns.

He approved immediate intervention at the State College of Science and Technology to facilitate accreditation of its programmes, while hinting at the possibility of converting it into a campus of Akwa Ibom State University, depending on community preference.

He also commended his aide, Blessed Lawrence Essien, for delivering impactful community projects, promoting him from Personal Assistant on Protocol to Special Assistant, and charged other appointees to replicate such gestures in their communities.

The Governor further rallied support for President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, expressing confidence that with their partnership, Akwa Ibom would benefit more from federal presence.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the Town Square meeting was meant to appreciate the constituency and capture their needs for inclusion in the 2026 budget.

Traditional rulers of the constituency conferred the chieftaincy title of Ette Iberedem on Governor Eno, while a motion of political solidarity for 2027 in support of the Governor, President Tinubu, and Senator Akpabio was moved by Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong Udo and seconded by Hon. Lawrence Udoide.

Speakers including Senator Aloysius Etok, Prof. Ini Udoka, Sir S. U. Akpan, and Commissioners Dr. Offiong Offor (Agriculture) and Dr. Ubong Inyang (Trade and Investment), lauded the Governor for his people-oriented leadership.

The Ikono/Ini empowerment scheme, many observers believe, reaffirms Governor Eno’s pledge to build a government that prioritizes inclusion, fairness, and opportunities for all, especially for those with no political godfathers.

The State Government’s Town Hall Meeting which kicked started over two months ago, is yeilding positive results as it provides the Governor opportunity to meet with the constituents one-on-one basis and feeling their pulse as well.

The exercise moves to another Local Government with the provision of incentives to the people. The move rightly explains democracy as “Government of the people, by the people and for the people”.d654d6fd-ab2b-46a7-aeec-7ee4d030877d