•Governor Umo Eno
HENSHAW NYONG, Uyo reporting
Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to delivering a people-centric administration has once again been brought to the fore as he prepares to embark on a statewide town hall meeting across the ten federal constituencies in Akwa Ibom.
The tour, which will commence tomorrow, Saturday, March 8, 2025, is in keeping with his campaign promise to return to the people, sit with them, and render an account of his stewardship.
Addressing a cross-section of journalists and bloggers at the Government House Press Centre, Uyo, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, recalled that during electioneering, Pastor Eno assured Akwa Ibomites that when elected, he would not be a distant leader but one who would constantly engage with the people.
He said, true to that promise, the governor is kick-starting the town hall meeting series in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency at Abak Stadium, where he will sit with the people, tell them what he has done since assuming office, and assess their needs to further drive his development agenda.
The former federal lawmaker, who was flanked by the State Commissioner Women Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudoh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Research and Documentation, Essien Ndueso, Ph.D among others, disclosed that the State Chief Executive has approved the disbursement of N2 billion farmers’ grant with no political interference in the selection process, assuring that every genuine farmer will benefit.
He added that another N2 billion will be disbursed to trainers, while small business owners across various LGAs will receive business grants amounting to N5 million, alongside equipment support to boost their trades.
Umanah described Governor Eno as the most detribalized leader in Nigeria, a unifier whose sincerity is evident in his governance approach, stressing that the governor’s only interest is the well-being of Akwa Ibom people, particularly the downtrodden.
He revealed that the mother of all empowerment programmes by the governor is slated for March 11 at Uyo Township Stadium, where all beneficiaries of the government’s economic interventions will gather to receive various machines and equipment free of charge to support their businesses.
On her part, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudoh, said the March 8 town hall meeting coincides with this year’s International Women’s Day and will feature a grand celebration of women in the state.
The Ika-born former Council Boss said women from all 31 LGAs will converge on Ibom Hall Grounds, where they will display the rich culture and cuisine of Akwa Ibom, and celebrate the governor for his gargantuan support for women empowerment.
She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Accelerate Action,” is in line with the governor’s commitment to gender equality, recalling that under his administration, women have been appointed as commissioners, chairpersons of councils and boards, supervisors, councillors, among others.
The Women Affairs Commissioner specifically eulogized Governor Eno for his efforts in empowering women through various initiatives, including the disbursement of N750,000 each to 400 women and a previous grant of N500,000 per beneficiary.
She emphasised that his administration is intentional about women’s economic empowerment and their inclusion in governance.
Mrs. Etukudoh hinted that the event which will commence at 10am, will feature a keynote speaker who will address critical societal issues and advise women on self-development, emphasising that Governor Umo Eno is determined to eliminate all forms of oppression against women and the girl child while creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Meanwhile, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, commended the media for their role in highlighting the achievements of the Umo Eno administration. He urged continued support in amplifying the impact of the ARISE Agenda to the public.
