Governor Eno Powers Grassroots Growth with ₦492m Youth Enterprise Grants

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has injected ₦492 million into youth-led businesses, empowering 1,187 beneficiaries with grants for trading, farming, and equipment acquisition to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive grassroots economic growth.

The package covers 276 beneficiaries under the ARISE Farmers Grant, 628 under the ARISE Traders Grant, and 263 under the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme. Eight entrepreneurs also received ₦5 million each through the MSME Grant, while 12 others were gifted cars and minibuses to expand their ventures.

Speaking at the Uyo Township Square, Governor Eno said the initiative aligns with his administration’s push to create sustainable livelihoods, noting that in just two years, 116 projects have been completed across Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Attai, and Ibesikpo Asutan LGAs — including roads, health centres, elderly homes, and schools.

The governor said the stakeholder forum also served to gather community input for the 2026 People’s Budget, ensuring that future grants and projects reflect local priorities. He praised residents for their strong turnout and commended Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, for strengthening community–government ties.

For MSMEs and young entrepreneurs, the funds offer a lifeline to expand operations, acquire critical tools, and play a more active role in Akwa Ibom’s evolving economy.