Sunday August 31, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
In a move to embolden the citizens’ empowerment programme of the State, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a ₦31 billion empowerment scheme for 2026, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunity for all citizens and residents.
Speaking on Sunday, August 31, at the closing ceremony of the three-day Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket, themed “They’re Men, Not God”, the Governor disclosed that each of the 31 local government areas will access the sum of ₦1 billion for direct citizens’ empowerment, business support, and grants. He explained that the scheme would be implemented through structured programmes such as Ibom LED, Dakkada Skills Acquisition and other interventions, with beneficiaries to be digitally harvested through dedicated portals to ensure transparency and accountability. He noted that the intervention will been adequately provided for in the 2026 People’s Budget of the State, underscoring his administration’s resolve to institutionalize empowerment programmes.
Governor Eno further announced that 3,000 upcoming employment opportunities in the State Civil Service will be filled strictly on merit, through computer-based tests (CBT). He stressed that this approach was designed to give children of less privileged families a fair chance to serve and succeed, regardless of their background. “We must provide a level ground for all to compete, irrespective of family background or political affiliation,” he declared to thunderous applause.
On the recent debates about empowerment for political support groups, the Governor clarified that while members of such groups are entitled to benefit as citizens, the State cannot directly fund political associations. He emphasized that his administration is determined to provide system-driven opportunities for all Akwa Ibomites through budgeted programmes and institutional structures.
Governor Eno also used the occasion to caution young people against cultism, urging them instead to embrace economically viable ventures.
In a major agricultural breakthrough, he unveiled plans for a Tree Crops Revolution, which will begin with the distribution of one million improved seedlings of economic trees to smallholder farmers across the State. According to him, government will serve as an off-taker to guarantee markets for farmers, while the State Agricultural Committee and extension workers will drive the process through enumeration and monitoring.
The convention, which drew thousands of worshippers, featured renowned guest speakers such as Rev. Simeon Afolabi, Bishop (Mrs.) Enobong Essien, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio, Rev. Dr. Godwin Gboyega Shitta, Rev. Dr. Godwin Amaowoh and Pastor Ndaeyo Udomfuk. The event climaxed with prayers for the State, worship sessions, and thanksgiving for the visible transformation taking place under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
