In a major effort to boost entrepreneurship and economic development, Governor Umo Eno has distributed over 10,000 sets of equipment to 2,000 entrepreneurs engaged in various trades, including tailoring, barbing, shoemaking, welding, laundry, hair styling, car wash services, makeup artistry, baking, and milling.
During the empowerment event held at Uyo Township Stadium, the Governor also presented 77 mini-buses and 31 saloon cars to beneficiaries.
Recognizing outstanding academic achievements, Governor Eno awarded ₦10 million to Edidiong Essien for scoring 8 As in the 2023 WAEC exams. Dr. Joseph Akpan, who earned 10 distinctions out of 11 courses at the University of Uyo, was granted full tuition and living expenses for a master’s program abroad.
Additionally, five Akwa Ibom students who won the Singapore-Bilateral International School Debate received ₦15 million, while their teachers were awarded ₦5 million.
In the category of exceptional grit, Otobong Philip Udoh, a female tipper truck driver, was rewarded with ₦5 million for breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated trade.
Governor Eno emphasized that his administration is committed to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), describing them as the backbone of the state’s economy.
“Our best legacy will be the number of lives we have positively impacted through entrepreneurial support, humanitarian interventions, and other programs that improve the quality of life for our people,” he stated.
He also highlighted the introduction of the Bank of Industry (BoI) to Akwa Ibom, where a ₦2 billion matching fund has been set aside to provide low-interest loans to entrepreneurs.
The event received commendations from key political figures, business leaders, and trade associations, who praised the Governor for prioritizing economic empowerment and skill development.
