The Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed a total of N335 million in cash grants to farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs within the Oron Federal Constituency, as part of a broader effort to stimulate grassroots economic development and promote inclusive growth across the state.
Governor Umo Eno announced the initiative during a recent town hall meeting, aimed at identifying community needs while also providing direct financial support. According to a statement published on the state’s official website on Sunday, the governor noted that the event formed part of preparations for the 2026 “People’s Budget,” gathering suggestions from constituents while concurrently boosting local enterprises.
During the engagement, residents from the five local government areas—Oron, Okobo, Udung Uko, Urue Offong Oruko, and Mbo—received significant cash grants intended to strengthen small-scale businesses and agricultural activities. Specifically, N51 million was awarded to 108 farmers under the N2 billion ARISE Farmers’ Loan Scheme. In addition, N225 million was disbursed to 543 traders and business owners, while another N50 million was shared among 10 entrepreneurs, each receiving N5 million.
Governor Eno also expressed satisfaction with the progress of the long-delayed 14-kilometre Airport–Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, which had spanned three previous administrations but is now nearing completion. He revealed plans to commence the construction of a city gate at the Ibom Deep Seaport project and introduce a new sales centre, underscoring the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in the region.
This latest round of financial empowerment follows a N50 million grant recently provided to 500 petty traders in the Eket Local Government Area. It also aligns with the broader ARISE Empowerment Programme, under which over N5.1 billion has been earmarked to support farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs across Akwa Ibom State. Of this amount, N2 billion has been allocated as grants to individuals and commercial farmers, with an additional N2 billion set aside for verified traders spanning the state’s 31 local government areas.