Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has emphasized that local governments in the state should have no excuse for failing to implement projects that promote the socio-economic development of communities.
His remarks came on Saturday during a significant event in Eket, where the N50 million Eket ARISE Empowerment
Initiative and small business grants were disbursed to 500 beneficiaries. The governor also took the opportunity to
commission the 5,000-capacity Eket City Hall and lay the foundation for the state-of-the-art Eket Legislative Complex.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,
Frank Archibong, praised the local government for its commitment to development. Eno highlighted that the projects
undertaken in Eket were in line with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on improving the lives of residents at the grassroots level.
The governor expressed his excitement about the significant strides made, particularly in empowering local
entrepreneurs and strengthening infrastructure. The new Eket City Hall, with a capacity to host 5,000 people, is
designed to serve as a multi-purpose venue for events, conferences, and social gatherings. In his remarks, Chairman
of Eket Local Government, Mr. Akaniyene Tommey, described the hall as a symbol of progress and unity.
He emphasized that the hall would not only serve the community culturally but would also contribute to generating
revenue and providing employment opportunities.
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In addition to the City Hall, the N50 million grant initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) in the area was another focal point of the event.
Tommey highlighted that this initiative aligns with Governor Eno’s vision to boost local businesses, which form the
backbone of the state’s economy. The grant was awarded to 500 local entrepreneurs, offering them the opportunity to
grow their businesses and contribute to economic prosperity in the region.
Eno’s administration has made clear its commitment to ensuring that every local government area in Akwa Ibom
takes responsibility for projects that impact residents positively. The governor’s focus on local governance was
evident in his call for more life-enhancing projects to be executed at the local level. According to Eno, local
governments are key in driving the vision of development throughout the state, and their efforts are critical in ensuring lasting positive change.
The successful implementation of these projects in Eket marks a significant moment in the ongoing development of
Akwa Ibom. Governor Eno’s leadership has demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing his ARISE Agenda
through tangible, grassroots initiatives that offer both immediate and long-term benefits to the people of the state. The momentum set by these projects is expected to inspire similar initiatives in other local governments, further advancing the state’s overall growth and progress.
