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Tag: Gov Eno

  • Gov Eno urges youths to start small, think beyond paid jobs

    Gov Eno urges youths to start small, think beyond paid jobs

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom State has charged Nigerian youths not to limit themselves to conventional employment but to seek out unique services and solutions they can offer society.

    Governor Umo Eno gave the charge while delivering a convocation lecture at the seventh convocation ceremony and 10th anniversary of Mountain Top University, themed “Dream Big. Start Small. Grow Fast.”

    He encouraged young people to dream big, start something no matter how small, remain passionate, and be ready to work twice as hard to achieve success.

    The governor also commended the university for its commitment to producing intellectually sound, morally upright and visionary nation-builders. 

    He noted that the institution’s emphasis on critical thinking, resilience, responsibility and vocational training through its Centre for Education and Development Services (CEDGS) aligns with the demands of modern society, where graduates must combine academic knowledge with practical skills.

    In his remarks, the Chancellor of the university and General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, cautioned youths against trading integrity for opportunity or sacrificing destiny on the altar of impatience.

    “Do not join the crowd; be a standard. Be solution-minded, because Nigeria and the world reward value, not noise. Let your certificate become a tool, but let your character become your crown,” Olukoya charged.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, said the university’s first decade reflected resilience, accelerated growth, divine provision and the establishment of a strong institutional foundation.

    “From a handful of pioneering students in 2015, Mountain Top University has grown into one of Nigeria’s most beautiful and academically vibrant campuses. Today, we celebrate sustained full accreditation by the NUC across all programmes and expansion from 15 to over 37 academic programmes,” Ayolabi said.

    He further urged the graduating students to embrace integrity as their compass, innovation as their engine, diligence as their strategy, godliness as their foundation and excellence as their identity, describing them as the fulfilment of a 10-year institutional dream.

    In her valedictory speech, the overall best graduating student for the 2024/2025 academic session, Omolola Faith Akinyemi, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.94 in Mathematics, recalled that the class of 2025 arrived on campus in October 2021 as dreamers, faced challenges that tested their strength and faith, and emerged stronger in character and purpose.

    She also praised the university for the impact of the DKO Foundation, noting that its generosity transformed many lives, including hers.

    “I was privileged to be a beneficiary of this foundation throughout my four years here, and I can boldly say it changed my life. The DKO Foundation didn’t just provide financial support; it gave hope. It reminded us that kindness can rewrite someone’s story, and that compassion is one of the greatest forces in the world,” she said.

  • Ibiaku Uruan diaspora urges Gov Eno to fix deplorable road

    Ibiaku Uruan diaspora urges Gov Eno to fix deplorable road

    Concerned indigenes of Ibiaku Uruan community in the Diaspora have made a heartfelt appeal to Governor Umo Eno, urging his administration to take swift action in rehabilitating the 8.5km Nduetong Oku–Ibiaku Uruan Ekritam Road and its 60-meter span bridge.

    In a letter, the group described the road as a vital link between the community and Uyo, noting that for decades it has remained in a deplorable condition.

    According to Dr. Godswill Ekpo, writing from Italy, the road has been repeatedly awarded and abandoned, leaving residents to endure years of hardship.

    Prof. Magnus Okon Bassey, a signatory based in the United States, stressed that during the rainy season, knee-high floods completely cut off Ibiaku Uruan from Uyo, denying citizens access to schools, markets, and healthcare facilities in the state capital. “This is not just about infrastructure; it is about dignity for our people,” he said.

    Echoing the same concern, Victor Ekpo Esq., Asuquo Asuquo Esq., and Inyang Eric Bassey Esq., all resident in the United States, highlighted the plight of children who trek through dangerous floodwaters to attend school, as well as farmers who are unable to transport their produce to markets in Uyo.

    For Bassey Ekeruke Esq. and Bassey Unachukwu, a registered nurse also in the United States, the rehabilitation of the road would not only restore ease of movement but also stimulate commerce and reduce travel time, ultimately expanding Akwa Ibom’s economic opportunities.

    Read Also: Eno vows to end electricity nightmare in Akwa Ibom

    Similarly, Prof. Ifiok Otung in the United Kingdom, alongside Dr. Edet Isuk and Eyibio Adah in the United States, appealed to Governor Eno’s compassion and people-centered leadership, expressing faith that his administration would be remembered for turning decades of neglect into renewed hope for the community.

    The appeal was sent under the banner of Concerned Citizens of Ibiaku Uruan and was also copied to Senator Aniekan Bassey (Uyo Senatorial District), members of the House of Representatives from Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Dr. Itoro Etim (Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly), Commissioner for Works Prof. Eno Ibanga, Uruan LGA Chairman, Surveyor Ini Obong Ekpenyong, Vice Chairman Lady Grace Edem, councillors, the Ibiaku Uruan Council of Chiefs, Interim Village Head of Ibiaku Uruan, Project Engineer, Engr. Abraham Enang, Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, Ph.D, and Akwa Ibom Diaspora Coordinator Linda Umoh.

  • Akwa Ibom labour unions pull out of NLC’s planned protest, pledge loyalty to Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom labour unions pull out of NLC’s planned protest, pledge loyalty to Gov Eno

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and several other labour unions in Akwa Ibom have withdrawn from the protest and strike action earlier declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for September 15, 2025.

    Among those distancing themselves from the action are some civil service unions, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Forum of Retired Primary School Teachers.

    In a joint statement, NULGE State Chairman, Comrade Anestina Iweh, and State Secretary, Comrade Ofunne Christopher Chidi, described the NLC’s planned protest as a “personal vendetta.”

    They commended Governor Umo Eno for clearing gratuity arrears from 2014 to 2018, paying pensions promptly, settling leave grants, and paying promotion arrears, noting that “with these strides, NULGE sees no justification to participate in the protest.”

    The union reaffirmed its support, pledging “continued solidarity with the governor’s administration.”

    Similarly, NUP declared its withdrawal, explaining that the ₦32,000 pension increase being demanded by the NLC had already been discussed with the Head of Service on August 26, 2025. “The implementation date is not yet due. We therefore direct our members not to join the protest,” NUP stated.

    Read Also: Akwa Ibom, Rural Electrification agency sign MOU on renewable energy

    Also distancing himself, Sir Jeremiah Efe, a senior accountant in the state service, issued a letter dissociating himself from the action, stressing his loyalty to the government as he prepares for retirement.

    The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), after an emergency meeting on September 10, also opted out of the protest. In a communiqué signed by its chairman, Comrade Etido Udo, and secretary, Comrade Kingsley B. Ekong, JPSNC urged dialogue instead of confrontation, insisting “it’s better to jaw-jaw than war-war in resolving outstanding issues.”

    On Passion 94.5FM, the governor’s Special Adviser on Labour Relations, Sir Udo Kierian, insisted the matter had been resolved and said no union had reason to proceed with a protest.

    Efforts to reach the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, were unsuccessful as his lines remained unavailable.

  • Akwa-Ibom Commissioners, NASS members, House members, LG chairs move with Eno to APC

    Akwa-Ibom Commissioners, NASS members, House members, LG chairs move with Eno to APC

    An overwhelming majority of State Executive Council members, members of the House of Assembly, National Assembly Members and LG Chairs have moved with the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the All Progressives Congress.

    At an event at the Banquet Hall, Uyo on Friday June 5, 2025, the members openly pledged support for Governor Eno and declared that they were moving with him to the new party platform because of his visionary and exemplary leadership style.

    In his speech at the event, Eno said ” It was Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most highly admired moral voices who spoke so eloquently about change and the constancy of values. Dalia had advised the world to “Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.”

    “Today, fellow Akwaibomites, we are gathered here to witness change while equally affirming the constancy of our collective values and defining ethos as a State.

    “For some time now, the political space particularly in this State and the Nation in general have been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State. The discussions have elicited various layers of analysis in the process.

    “Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, we should always be open to change but not let go of our shared values.

    “Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore, decided to Progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the (APC).

    “Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that, though I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.

    Read Also: Commissioners resign over Eno’s defection to APC

    “Why am I in the APC, you may ask?  The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence. 

    “Today, as I make this formal movement from the PDP to APC, I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics. Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship”

    Setting the tone for the event Director-General of Campaigns, Chief Assam Assam, SAN said the movement of the Governor marks a new dawn in the political history of the State and presents a common front for the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom. 

    The symbolic presentation of the APC broom by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was the highlight of the ceremony.

    “What we are witnessing is not a defection—it is a movement. The people of Akwa Ibom are shifting to the progressive fold, and we welcome you warmly as you connect to the centre,” Uzodinma said.

    The APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo Local Government Chairs led by Dr. Uwemedimo Udo (Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Uyo LGA), the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the State House of Assembly led by Speaker Udeme Otong, and Members of the National Assembly led by Senator Ekong Sampson—all reaffirmed their support for the Governor’s decision.

    In a goodwill message on behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, his wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, praised the Governor’s courage and foresight:

    “Your Excellency, you mean well for your people. This decision will strengthen our state’s connection with the national leadership.”

    Also in attendance were the Governors of Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Delta, Edo, Cross River. Minister of Budget & Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Petroluem ( Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo,  dignitaries from across the federation, signaling broad national support and political realignment in the state.

    A grand rally to formally welcome Governor Umo Eno and his supporters into the APC is expected to be announced soon.

  • Why I joined APC, by Akwa-Ibom Gov Eno

    Why I joined APC, by Akwa-Ibom Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno said that he was inspired to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of President Bola Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years.

    Eno, who said this while delivering his defection speech, said he has always admired Tinubu right from his days as Governor during which he transformed Lagos State  to the Centre of Excellence.

    He added as President, Tinubu has displayed rare courage in confronting the Nation’s daunting economic challenges and taking tough decisions to reset the country on the path of economic development.

    According to him: “President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history of this Nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader. With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these challenging moments head-on and came up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath is tough for Nigerians, but however, are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.

    “The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to subnational entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people.  Akwa Ibom State today, is more of  a  constructing site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Governments Areas.

    “The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.

    Read Also: Commissioners resign over Eno’s defection to APC

    “It is a known fact that, I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today

    “As a young professional working in Lagos while he was the Governor, I was amazed and fascinated by the manner he ran Lagos, and had, with focus and vision, raised the profile of Lagos State to become a leading Subnational in the country, while facing daunting challenges”.

    He maintained his defection to the APC was a gift to Tinubu, adding that he has absolute trust in the leadership of the APC-led federal government led by President Tinubu.

    “To those who may be concerned by this Progressive movement, I want to assure you that I have received enormous assurances of support and seamless integration from our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godwill Akpabio, GCON, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum. 

    “Those who know our dear President will attest to the fact that his words are his bond. This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President and it has divine connotation,” he added. 

    Eno promised to run a bipartisan government built around the Renewed Hope Agenda and the ARISE Agenda of the federal and state governments respectively.

    “Why am I in the APC, you may ask?  The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence. 

    “Let us strategically Arise together, to the promise of a better, more inclusive, stronger and united Akwa Ibom State that is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR led-Federal Government,” he explained..

  • Akwa Ibom Commissioner resigns after Gov Eno dumped PDP for APC

    Akwa Ibom Commissioner resigns after Gov Eno dumped PDP for APC

    The Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has resigned barely two hours after Governor Umo Eno announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ememobong made his resignation public via a Facebook post on Friday.

    He wrote, “Behold another bend.

    “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.

    “While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.

    “This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries(Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.

    “About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.

    Read Also: Eight incumbent Governors who defected from PDP to APC

    “Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.

    “I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.

    “As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.

    “Yak Emem Aba!,”

    Eno, some weeks ago confirmed he was leaving the PDP for the APC and urged cabinet members unwilling to join him in the new party to resign.

    “Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” Eno had said.

  • I won’t end up in EFCC net after office – Gov Eno

    I won’t end up in EFCC net after office – Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has vowed that he will not become a regular visitor to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after leaving office.

    Speaking on Thursday during a media parley to mark his second anniversary in office, Eno attributed the downfall of many former governors to undue pressure from citizens to misuse public funds.

    The governor said he remains committed to transparency, accountability, and value-driven spending in the management of state resources, despite repeated demands from various interest groups.

    “When I became governor, I told the Akwa Ibom people that we would establish a sinking fund. Every month, we ensure we don’t spend all our revenue,” Eno stated. “I’m not one for frivolous spending, my children can attest to that. Money must pursue something; it must align with its original intent—value exchange.”

    He noted that public expectations have become increasingly driven by a sense of entitlement, where citizens expect the government to meet every demand, regardless of fiscal implications.

    Eno reaffirmed that his administration would continue to prioritize prudent financial management to ensure lasting development and avoid the post-tenure pitfalls faced by some of his predecessors.

    “I saw it when some group of boys said they are support groups for Umo Eno, and since they finished supporting me, Umo Eno has not done anything for them. So they want to go on a protest. I laughed. I pray they don’t get into security issues.

    “They say they supported me for good governance, and I am trying my best to provide good governance, yet they want me to give them money. Where will I have money to give to support groups?

    “When you see former governors go to EFCC when they finish, we are the people that drive them to it, and no one will drive me to it. I will do what I can do within the law, what I cannot do, I will stay away. Now, which account, which budget do I have to pull money from groups?

    Still on the finances of the state, Eno debunked reports in some sections of the media that Akwa Ibom state received 650 billion in three months.

    “These figures are published quarterly, and the Freedom of Information Act allows you to get information. So the argument about how much we get shouldn’t even be there.

    Read Also: EFCC boss warns of insider-aided cyberattacks on Nigerian banks

    ‘But I can tell everyone that I am praying and trusting God that we get N200 billion a month. If I get that, then I will turn this place into Dubai. But from what we are getting, we are doing our best.

    “You cannot take balance carried forward, which is clearly shown in the publication, and they show you three months’ revenue as added up, and you now come up with a headline saying that Akwa Ibom receives N650 billion in three months.

    “That’s not good reporting to journalists, you have reported well, but to our neighboring states, you don’t know the number of troubles you have just sparked up for us. They will say if Akwa Ibom is receiving N650 billion in three months, so maybe it is receiving N200 billion a month.

    “Then you go to the Governors’ Forum and people say Akwa Ibom, and your neighbouring states say maybe Akwa Ibom is holding our oil wells. And you have thrown Akwa Ibom in harm’s way just by that false reporting”, he maintained.

    The governor lamented that neighboring states have started agitating to get some oil wells from Akwa Ibom following the false report that the state may be earning up to N200 billion a month.

    “So, Cross River wants our oil wells, Rivers State wants our oil wells because they will ask why Akwa Ibom is earning so much, whereas it was just a false report.

    “Ever since that report broke, I know the number of times I have gone to the presidency because other states feel we have not been nice to them”.

    The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for disbursing funds to the state, adding that it has helped Akwa Ibom state embark on development projects that positively impact the people.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been good to the state. He has released funds to the state. I will not speak for other governors. I am not the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum and I don’t seek to be, but I am speaking for Akwa Ibom because we don’t have funding, we won’t be able to do the things we are doing”, Eno added.

  • 2027: Gov Eno hints at possible exit from PDP, compares party to faulty plane

    2027: Gov Eno hints at possible exit from PDP, compares party to faulty plane

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has hinted about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the party may no longer serve his political aspirations beyond 2027.

    Speaking during a constituency outreach in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area on Tuesday, Eno likened the PDP to a malfunctioning aircraft, hinting at the possibility of switching to another political platform—an analogy widely interpreted as a nod toward the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno asked the crowd.

    His remarks come amid rising tensions and defections within the PDP, including the recent move by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC.

    Read Also: Shettima applauds Gov Eno’s investment in human capital development

    Despite expressing doubts about the PDP’s direction, Eno reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on governance promises. He stressed that service to the people remains his administration’s top priority.

    As part of the outreach, over 400 constituents benefited from empowerment packages, including grants for 154 traders and 116 farmers, N5 million business development funds for four individuals, and equipment support for 131 others.

    Eno urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely and avoid risky ventures like Ponzi schemes. “We need to meet with the people from time to time. Governance doesn’t end at elections,” he said.

    He added that four of the state’s 10 federal constituencies have been engaged so far, with plans to incorporate community needs into the 2026 budget.

    “This government belongs to the people—it is for you, with you, and by you,” Eno emphasized.

  • Gov Eno unveils ‘Every Home a Garden’ initiative, offers N500,000 reward to 50 participants

    Gov Eno unveils ‘Every Home a Garden’ initiative, offers N500,000 reward to 50 participants

    In a bid to advance food security and self-sufficiency under ‘The Arise Agenda’, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state has introduced the “Every Home a Garden” initiative, encouraging residents to develop and maintain home gardens. 

    Speaking at this year’s Christmas Carols Festival over the weekend, Governor Eno announced a N500,000 reward for at least 50 participants who successfully create viable home gardens anywhere in the state. 

    The initiative is modeled after the “Every Home a Garden” project championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Interested participants are required to submit a two-minute video showcasing their home gardens with visible landmarks. Videos are to be uploaded on the platform ‘arisehomefarms.akwaibomstate.gov.ng.’ 

    Governor Eno emphasised that Akwa Ibom’s abundant fertile land, favorable climate, and hardworking population make it unjustifiable for the state to rely on other regions for essential produce such as fruits, tomatoes, pepper, waterleaf, pumpkin, and other spices. 

    This bold step, the Governor explained, aims to promote local food production and reduce dependence on external sources, ultimately enhancing the state’s agricultural capacity and sustainability.

    Recall that in his short-term approach to food sufficiency in The Arise Agenda, Pastor Umo Eno promised to increase the production of some identified agricultural products that include fruits, vegetables such as Tomatoes, Cucumber, Oranges, Mango, Pineapple, Spinach, Pepper, Okro and varieties of local spices.

    These were promised along with the provision of adequate Food Crops such as cassava, Rice, Maize, yam, plantain, and banana and Cash Crops such as Cocoa, oil palm, Dates/ Raffia Palm, kola nut, and coconut. He also listed Fisheries and Livestock. Most of which can be cultivated around homes.

    The idea, according to him, is to encourage those who have land around their homes to start cultivating it and grow from mere consumption level to income generating level.

    Over the years small grants/rewards to farmers have emerged as a vital resource for enhancing agriculture and food security initiatives, particularly in developing regions like Akwa Ibom State.

    These grants, often provided by governments, non-governmental organizations, and international agencies, are often designed to empower local farmers and communities by offering financial support for innovative small-scale farming. The significance of small grants lies not only in their monetary value but also in their ability to foster creativity, resilience, and self-sufficiency among small farmers.

    By targeting specific needs within communities, these grants/rewards can catalyze transformative changes that lead to improved food production, better nutrition, and enhanced livelihoods. A cursory look into the impact of these grants reveals that they are not merely financial instruments; they are enablers of change that can uplift entire communities and contribute to global food security.

    The impact of small grants on local farming communities is profound and multifaceted. Firstly, these grants often empower farmers by providing them with the resources needed to experiment with new agricultural products. For instance, a small grant might fund the purchase of improved seedlings or organic fertilizers, allowing farmers to enhance their crop yields sustainably.

    Read Also: Gov Eno meets new LG chairmen, emphasises shared responsibilities, importance of building unity

    This not only improves food availability but also boosts the income of local farmers, enabling them to invest further in their operations and families. Moreover, small grants like the N500,000.00 to Home Farmers in Akwa Ibom State can foster community engagement and collaboration. This can lead to knowledge sharing, where experienced farmers mentor newcomers, and innovative ideas are exchanged. As a result, the entire community benefits from increased agricultural productivity and resilience against external shocks such as pest attacks.

    These rewards or grants help ensure that families have access to nutritious food year-round. For instance, a small grant might fund a local cooperative that aggregates produce from multiple farmers and sells it at fair prices in urban markets.

    As farmers become more self-sufficient and resilient through the programs, they contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty that often accompanies food insecurity.

    Policy analysts applaud this initiative and see it as timely and well-designed to encourage the young and elderly to go back to farming since with the “Every Home A Garden Initiative” one does not need to own acres of land to be involved in farming activities.

  • Gov. Eno to inaugurate 72 projects in Nov.

    Gov. Eno to inaugurate 72 projects in Nov.

    Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom says he will inaugurate eight road projects, 62 compassionate homes and two water reticulation projects in November.

    Eno revealed this in Ikot Ekpene on Friday during the inauguration of a 1.1km spring road and drainage project, which links Gorretti Girls Secondary School, the only female school in the area.

    He said that the projects would include; two roads in each of the senatorial districts and two compassionate homes in each of the 31 local government areas of the state.

    The governor commended the contractor, U&K, Contractors, Mr Ukeme Eyoh, for delivering on the job, in spite of the difficult terrain.

    He reminded the people of his campaign promise that his government was ready to engage youths in the art of governance.

    “This is what can truly be defined as raising boys to men. Not by throwing money on the streets for young people to fight and injure themselves.

    “For performing so well on this difficult task, we are awarding you Phase 2 of this project and when you finish, we will give you another project,” Eno said.

    The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, said the road was one of the first set of roads the governor offered to construct on assumption of office.

    Read Also: Gov Eno meets new LG chairmen, emphasises shared responsibilities, importance of building unity

    He said the next rainy season, there would be no flood in the community and thanked the governor for approving the second phase of the project, which is the extension of the drainage facility.

    In his remarks, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien, said the road has cemented Ikot Ekpene as a support base for the governor.

    “Spring Road cost us many votes in the last General Elections, because the opposition came here and took photographs of school children falling inside the gully.

    “We are sure that you will even do more for us and we will support you till 2031,” he said. (NAN)