Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has unveiled a ₦31 billion empowerment scheme for 2026, aimed at fostering inclusive and transparent governance. The program will provide grants to residents across the state’s 31 Local Government Areas, with each area entitled to ₦1 billion in funding.

The grants will be divided into four categories: farmers’ grants, traders’ grants, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grants, and skills acquisition grants. Governor Eno emphasized that access to these grants will be straightforward and based on a transparent application process, eliminating the need for personal connections or affiliations.

Applicants can register on the government portal, and funding will be allocated based on the applicant’s area of origin, not business location. To ensure transparency, the government will conduct thorough inspections and validations to verify applicants’ claims before releasing funds.

Additionally, beneficiaries will be required to attend a 10-week refresher course at the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (ILEDC) to enhance their business skills and develop a project plan for effective grant utilization. The government will also monitor and evaluate funded businesses to ensure sustainable development.

Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating “godfatherism” and promoting fairness, stating that support groups and individuals will have equal access to the grants, regardless of social status or political affiliation.