UYO — Governor Umo Eno has significantly expanded his administration’s economic footprint, distributing over 10,000 sets of equipment to 2,000 entrepreneurs under the Arise Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme. The initiative, designed to bolster the local economy and foster a thriving middle class, marks one of the most substantial grassroots empowerment exercises in the state’s recent history.
The Governor also utilized the platform to reiterate a strategic call to the Federal Government, seeking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s full support for the completion of the Ibom Deep Sea Port—a project viewed as the ultimate game-changer for maritime trade in West Africa.
Rewarding Excellence: From Classrooms to the Cockpit
A hallmark of Governor Eno’s “Arise” agenda is the direct reward for academic and vocational excellence. The recent ceremony featured high-value grants and sponsorships:
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Academic Brilliance: Edidiong Essien, who secured 8 As in the 2023 WASCE, received ₦10 million. Furthermore, Dr. Joseph Akpan, a University of Uyo standout with 10 distinctions, was awarded a full scholarship for a Master’s degree at any university globally.
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Global Ambassadors: ₦15 million was awarded to the five students who won the Singapore-Bilateral International School Debate, with an additional ₦5 million for their teachers.
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Breaking Barriers: Otobong Philip Udoh, a female tipper truck driver, received ₦5 million for her trailblazing role in a male-dominated industry.
The Transport & Logistics Boost
To address the logistical challenges faced by small businesses and improve urban mobility, the state government presented:
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77 Mini-Buses
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31 Saloon Cars These vehicles were awarded to “deserving recipients” to enhance their earning capacity and support the state’s transport network.
Deepening the Impact: A Record of Intervention
The latest round of support builds on the Governor’s aggressive economic interventions initiated in 2025. This multi-sectoral approach ensures that no segment of the grassroots economy is left behind:
| Beneficiary Category | Intervention (2025/2026) |
| Farmers | ₦111 Million in grants distributed to 178 individuals. |
| Traders | ₦176 Million support fund for 442 traders. |
| Craftsmen | Equipment support for 198 specialized workers. |
| MSMEs | ₦30 Million targeted growth grants for 6 enterprises. |
“I remain committed to empowering businesses, supporting hard work, and building a thriving middle class,” Governor Eno stated, charging beneficiaries to use the resources to inspire others.
