Governor Umo Eno Empowers 500 Traders in Eket with N50 Million Grant, Unveils Major Infrastructure Projects

In a bold step toward grassroots economic revitalization, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a N50 million grant to empower 500 petty traders in Eket Local Government Area (LGA). The initiative, part of the ongoing Eket ARISE Empowerment scheme, reflects the governor’s broader commitment to uplifting low-income entrepreneurs and building sustainable local economies.

Each beneficiary received N100,000 to enhance their small businesses, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s push to promote inclusive economic growth. The grant was announced during the inauguration of a newly completed 5,000-capacity conference hall in Eket, a facility expected to stimulate both economic and social activity in the region.

Representing Governor Eno at the event, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, emphasized that the intervention aligns with the state’s ARISE Agenda—a strategic development blueprint that prioritizes rural development, economic empowerment, and community infrastructure.

“This is the ARISE Agenda in action,” Archibong said. “The government is determined to replicate projects like this across all local government areas in the state. It’s about building a collective vision for progress and enabling our people to thrive economically.”

He also called for a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure that beneficiaries make good use of the grants, thereby maximizing impact and sustainability.

Empowering SMEs, Boosting Local Infrastructure

Chairman of Eket LGA, Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, described the event as a “double triumph” for the local government—highlighting both the economic empowerment of small traders and the commissioning of a landmark infrastructure project.

He noted that the newly inaugurated conference hall would become a central venue for major events, conferences, and social functions—driving revenue generation and employment within the LGA. “This facility will significantly increase our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create job opportunities for our people,” Tommey said.

Tommey also praised the N50 million empowerment fund as a practical step toward supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which he described as the backbone of the local and national economy. “This grant is not just about money—it’s about hope, sustainability, and economic freedom,” he stated.

In addition to the empowerment scheme and the conference hall commissioning, Tommey revealed plans for the construction of an ultramodern legislative complex in Eket, signaling the government’s continued commitment to infrastructural growth.

The event also featured the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed legislative building, adding another chapter to the LGA’s development narrative.

Continued Support for MSMEs

This recent initiative follows a similar move by Governor Eno in March 2025, when his administration empowered 833 entrepreneurs under the Micro Scale Medium Enterprises Development Scheme. Beneficiaries, drawn from the Abak-Etim Ekpo-Ika Federal Constituency, received part of a massive N5.1 billion fund set aside by the state government to support MSME operators.

Several traders who benefited from the Eket grant expressed gratitude, pledging to invest the funds wisely to expand their businesses and contribute to the local economy.

With initiatives like these, Akwa Ibom continues to chart a path toward inclusive growth, underpinned by visionary leadership and strategic community empowerment.