Akwa Ibom Governor Disburses N250m to Boost Small Businesses in Ikot Abasi

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disbursed N250 million to 540 beneficiaries in Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency to support private businesses and promote the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The beneficiaries, drawn from across the trade, agriculture, and equipment support sectors, received the grants during a Town Square meeting aimed at appreciating residents for their support during the last election and throughout the governor’s two years in office.

Governor Eno stated that the event marked a deliberate effort to return to the people, not just with words of gratitude, but through developmental projects and financial empowerment. He highlighted various initiatives his administration has executed across Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, and Eastern Obolo local government areas, including rural road construction, dual-carriage road expansion to Eastern Obolo Secretariat, as well as the provision of water, schools, and hospitals.

He emphasized that the cash grants were part of a broader empowerment initiative aimed at farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs—particularly individuals without political connections. According to the governor, the selection was transparent, with names, trades, phone numbers, and amounts received published in the official event brochure to ensure accountability.

Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating that the Needs Assessment Document submitted by the people would guide the preparation of the 2026 state budget. He assured constituents that the government would continue to run a people-centered administration that reflects the voices and priorities of its citizens.

He also called for unity and collaboration across party lines, stressing the need for Akwa Ibom to align more closely with the federal government to attract more opportunities. He expressed confidence in the state’s future under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and emphasized continued support for political alignment leading into 2027.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, explained that the Town Square meeting was designed to bring governance closer to the grassroots and gather input for the next fiscal plan. Ikot Abasi LGA Chairman, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, commended the governor for the various infrastructural and social development projects in the constituency, describing him as a visionary and accessible leader.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Iniobong Akpan, thanked the governor for including Ikot Abasi youths in his development agenda. He reaffirmed the commitment of the youth to support the governor’s future political aspirations, describing him as a leader of integrity.

Engineer Uwem Okoko, political leader of Ikot Abasi and Managing Director of Hensek Integrated Services, highlighted the urgent need for a functional power sub-station to restore constant electricity in the area, a feature lost since the decline of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON). He noted that the massive turnout for the governor’s visit was a clear sign of the people’s readiness to back his return in 2027.

Throughout the event, speakers hailed the administration’s ARISE Agenda and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders at state and federal levels to ensure sustainable development and equitable resource distribution.