Friday February 7, 2025 | TheNewsDESK
By Ekemini JAMES
As in the words of Mohammed Ali, that “champions are made out of the dreams they have deep inside of them”, Governor Umo Eno is indeed making champions out of the people of Akwa Ibom.
His administration’s efforts to empower small and medium enterprises, recognize outstanding contributions, and promote a culture of excellence are truly commendable. As he has demonstrated since assumption of Office on 29 May, 2023, Governor Eno has continually shown commitment to rewarding and celebrating excellence.
Recently, the Governor showered rewards totaling about N550 million on deserving individuals, including farmers, entrepreneurs, sports champions, and outstanding civil servants. This, was one of the lots in furtherance of his commitment to empowering Akwa Ibom citizens, and underscores the administration’s dedication to promoting entrepreneurship, food security, and excellence in their various fields of endeavour.
The event which is the first of its kind was more than just a ceremony; it was a movement that empowers dreams. A total of 400 female youths received grants of N750,000 each, while 50 winners of the ARISE Home Farmers contest received N500,000 each. Additionally, prices were presented to the best performing Local Government Areas during Christmas Unplugged 2024 and best civil servants in each of the Ministries, Departments and Government Agencies in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the state.
Also, the winner of the 2024 Governor’s Cup was also rewarded with monies of N10 million, N6 million and N4 million for first, second and third prize winners respectively. Governor Eno’s address at the event highlighted his administration’s commitment to making Akwa Ibom a destination of choice.
He emphasized the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, food security, and healthy competition, while also celebrating excellence and passion for good works. The governor’s commitment to the welfare of workers in the state is also noteworthy. He has approved the immediate release of N2.1 billion to pay down the backlog of gratuities, bringing the total amount paid to date to N35 billion.
This gesture demonstrates his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of its citizens. Governor Umo Eno’s administration is setting a high standard for governance in Nigeria through prioritizing the empowerment of its citizens, promoting entrepreneurship, and recognizing outstanding contributions.
