By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has approved the release of ₦31 billion for an empowerment programme targeting youths, women, traders, farmers, transport operators and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umana, after the Executive Council meeting in Uyo, the programme is funded in the 2026 budget and is expected to benefit 165,912 people. The intervention will be implemented at the rate of ₦1 billion per local government area.
The statement said the programme covers youth skills acquisition and starter packs, support for women’s cooperatives, business grants for traders, agricultural inputs, SME development and enterprise growth, and a transport empowerment scheme aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, job creation and economic inclusion.
The council also constituted an implementation committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, to develop modalities for the distribution of the intervention and report back to the Executive Council.
In addition, the council approved preparations for President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to Akwa Ibom and a 30-day commissioning of 39 completed projects to mark the state’s 39th anniversary.
The Executive Council also expressed satisfaction with the recruitment of more than 2,854 health workers, the completion of 29 model primary healthcare centres and the upgrade of 17 others. It directed relevant authorities to fast-track the recruitment of additional medical doctors to address workforce shortages.The council further approved the transmission of nine health sector bills to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly for legislative consideration, including proposed laws on public health security, health insurance, medical residency training and the establishment of an Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital.
Governor Umo Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the ARISE Agenda, saying the recent Executive Council meeting reviewed the progress of key government projects and programmes.
