Akwa Ibom State witnessed a major show of support and community upliftment as Governor Pastor Umo Eno empowered 55 constituents of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area with business grants worth millions of naira during what many described as a remarkable home-coming event. The gathering took place at his country home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, where a large crowd welcomed him and celebrated the initiative aimed at improving the economic well-being of the beneficiaries and their families.
Governor Eno told the audience that his goal is to introduce programmes that will “drastically transform them economically” through continuous business support. He explained that the beneficiaries were selected from the 11 Wards of the Local Government Area to ensure fairness and wide coverage. According to him, the empowerment exercise will not be a one-off event but a periodic programme designed to carry more people along in the coming months.
During the first phase of this initiative, each beneficiary received a cheque of N500,000 to start or expand any legitimate business of their choice. He urged them to take the opportunity seriously, saying, “With this N500,000 given to you today, ensure you utilize it properly in a productive business for your own growth and well-being that will positively impact on your family and communities.”
The Governor also emphasized his commitment to developing the area with key infrastructure. He noted that several roads within Nsit Ubium have already been approved for immediate construction. He added that solar-lighting projects will also be provided to uplift the communities and give them what he described as their “pride of place.”
The empowerment drive drew additional support from members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers at both State and national levels, industry leaders, Local Government chairmen, and other dignitaries who attended the event. Many of them also donated to the initiative to further expand the number of people who could benefit.
Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Mr. Alfred Charles, praised the Governor for what he called an impactful and thoughtful home-coming visit. He assured the Governor of the people’s strong backing for the ARISE Agenda and openly pledged their loyalty as the state moves toward the 2027 election season.
Speakers including Hon. Johnson Udoka, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Obong Paul Bassey, Hon. Otobong Bob, Hon. Emmanuel Ibiok, and Senator Effiong Bob commended Governor Eno’s leadership style and reaffirmed their support for both the Governor and President Tinubu in 2027.
A notable moment at the event was the story of a young graduate whose life changed after an inspiring encounter with the Governor five years ago.
