The federal government through Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday launched a N1 billion family-based business grant in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a practical step in turning democratic promises into real economic support for ordinary citizens. He said the initiative reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s focus on programmes that directly uplift families and stimulate inclusive growth across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope/ARISE Agenda grant programme, the Vice President stated that Nigeria’s progress depends on empowering people to become active contributors to national development. According to him, sustainable change will only come when citizens are encouraged to build, produce, and create value.
“There is greater honour in empowering a man to create than in offering him a fleeting gift. True empowerment endures because it teaches the mind to search for its own doors, its own pathways, and its own opportunities,” he said.
The initiative was conceived by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Unyime Idem, to provide seed capital to families for starting or expanding small businesses. Shettima explained that it aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic growth, job creation, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, social protection, and poverty reduction.
He said, “This gathering aligns with the principle that democracy works when the dividends promised by us reach families at the grassroots, uplift our communities, and expand opportunities for all. Democracy finds its true essence not in speeches but in interventions that touch the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.”
The Vice President commended the partnership between federal and state governments, applauding Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda which focuses on agriculture, rural development, small enterprise support, and social inclusion. According to him, the synergy shows how leadership should work for the people.
“This is what governance should look like: a seamless convergence of federal and state agendas at the exact point where citizens feel the impact. When leadership aligns in purpose, the people inherit progress,” he said.
Shettima stressed that the family-based approach would boost local businesses, drive household income, empower women and youth, reduce dependency, and build productivity and self-reliance among beneficiaries. “When a family is empowered, a community is empowered; when a community is empowered, a nation is strengthened,” he explained.
The Vice President encouraged recipients to use the capital wisely, noting that it could serve as a foundation for generational progress. He assured those not captured in the first round that subsequent phases would reach them. He presented the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam project as an example for leaders nationwide.
“You have demonstrated that politics is most noble when it delivers hope, opportunity, and dignity. So, I extend to you the gratitude of the nation, and I congratulate Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem for recognising the danger of a nation left idle, and for choosing instead to invest in the industrious spirit of his people,” he added.
Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, appreciated the Vice President for consistently honouring the state’s invitations. She described him as not just a leader but also a brother embraced by Governor Umo Eno and the people of the state.
“Your frequent visits to Akwa Ibom State have demonstrated a commitment to our people and our development. I am confident that our governor has graciously extended his hospitality to you, reflecting the strong bonds we share as sons of this great state,” she said.
She encouraged the beneficiaries to invest the funds wisely to support their businesses and strengthen the local economy.
Hon Unyime Idem thanked the Vice President for attending and revealed that 3,000 families benefited from the scheme. He emphasized that the distribution was transparent and open, reflecting the shared goals of both federal and state governments.
“What it, therefore, means is that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government and the ARISE Agenda of the state were fully captured,” he explained. He added that the enthusiastic beneficiaries would support President Tinubu’s reelection bid, saying they were ready to return him to office in 2027.
