Akwa Ibom Governor Gives N239m Lifeline To 476 Rural Poor

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said he is on a mission to help those who have nobody, and has consequently lifted 476 rural poor residents with an empowerment grant of N239 million.

The governor, who gave the money during the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency town square meeting at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo, headquarters of Ikono local government area yesterday, warned against misappropriation of the cash, explaining that the facility was meant for investment in farming, trading and equipment.

Presenting the cheques, the governor noted that the beneficiaries were qualified people of the constituency who had registered through the ARISE Youth Employment portal, and were duly selected.

He urged everyone to embrace the digital method of getting jobs, empowerment, contracts and other government’s freebies, explaining that it was imperative to do things differently to provide a level playing field for everyone in order to accommodate those who have no one to recommend them.

The governor pointed out that his administration was touching lives and raising men and women who have the requisite capacity, and are willing to work, and have registered on the ARISE portal.