Governor Umo Eno empowers 1076 persons in Eket federal constituency

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disbursed over N400m to 1, 076 beneficiaries with farm, trade, and business grants in Eket Federal Constituency.

Speaking at the event, which took place at the Cenotaph by Eket Stadium, Eket local government Area, the governor, said 268 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 549 for the ARISE Traders grant, 239 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eighth benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 benefited from the cars and mini buses.

He said the empowerment is for every qualified Akwa Ibomite duly registered with the ARISE empowerment portal, stressing that it is not tailored to favour any political party.

The Governor who has live and done business in Eket for about 30 years, appreciated everyone for turning out across party lines, stressing that there was always the need to distinguish between a party affair and a State affair like the Town square meeting.

He used the opportunity to clear all doubts on his relationship with his political father, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, saying, “Let me say here and now, because we are in Eket Federal Constituency, my political father comes from here. Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no issue between me and my political father, no issue whatsoever. We have moved in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State for today, so that we can pull our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That does not cause any confusion.

“I am his political son, and so he will always earn our respect and support, and I will like to make that assurance to our sons and daughters from Onna, so if anybody tries to insult him, you are doing so at your peril, he is still our father and will continue to earn our respect,” he said.

The Governor who appreciated the people of Eket Federal Constituency for coming out en mass for the meeting and for their numerous gift items, said he was not surprised given that Eket is the land of his rebirth.

“Uyo Senatorial District and Etinan Fed Constituency are the land of my birth, but Eket is the land of my rebirth. It is in this land that I cut my teeth in business. I am overwhelmed by your warm welcome.

“I have received the needs assessment document, we will look at it, but I am not promising you all, we will deliver based on availability of funds,” he said.

The Governor enumerated the different projects in the Federal Constituency at different stages of completion, and assured to do more for the Constituency and State in general.

Responding to demands by Eket Stakeholders, on the beach and Eket

Qua River Hotel, he said the Government was searching for investors but urged the host communities to maintain peace to welcome investors.

On the Qua River Hotel, he said as soon as the lingering legal issues are settled, Government will commence work accordingly.

Also speaking on the issue of Stubb Creek Forest, he urged the concerned communities to exercise restrain and caution, saying that a committee that will be chaired by him, with the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Attorney General and two members each from the concerned communities as members will be inaugurated to lay the issue to rest.

He stated that government will not allow any unapproved building or shanty in the Stubb Creek, and would not hesitate to pull down any of such structure.

The Governor also uses the occasion to call on those in government to create impact within their communities, and appreciated one Ayara Johnson, a ward PA, for his contributions to his community and promoted him from Ward PA to Personal Assistant.

Presenting the needs document which was accompanied by numerous gifts items, Ambassador Assam Assam appreciated the Governor for delivering on his campaign promises and assured of continuous support of the people from the area.

Earlier in his tone setting, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah appreciated the Federal Constituency for all the support before, and during the last elections, and even since the Governor assumed office.

He said the visit is to appreciate them with different forms of empowerment packages, and also to listen to their needs which will be added in the 2026 budget.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairmen of the local government areas in the Federal Constituency, the Chairman of Eket, Hon Akan Tommy said the mammoth crowd came out to welcome the Governor back home, adding “We are not here for campaign but to celebrate you for all you have done in Eket Federal Constituency. In 2023 we supported and moved around with you for camping óó. In 2027, we will also join you to campaign in other Federal Constituencies, but in Eket which is your home, your votes are intact.”

Other speakers including Hon Frank Archibong for Commissioners from the area, Senator Helen Esuene, for women, Chief Nduese Essien, Hon Pat Ifon, Bassey Dan Abia Jr, and Hon Sam Ekpenyong appreciated the Governor for his numerous development initiatives and strides in their respective domains, and assured of continuous support beyond 2027.

On their part, the legislators from the Federal Constituency, moved a motion which was seconded accordingly and the Governor was adopted as the sole candidate of the Federal Constituency for 2027 governorship election.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)