The Governor of Akwa Ibom State has extended a N50 million grant to 500 petty traders in Eket Local Government Area as part of ongoing efforts to boost small-scale businesses and stimulate local economic growth. Each trader received N100,000 to strengthen their enterprises under the Eket ARISE Empowerment initiative, a grassroots-focused project aligned with the state’s broader economic development strategy.
The grant was officially announced during the inauguration of a newly constructed 5,000-capacity conference hall in Eket, a facility expected to drive economic and social activities in the area. Representing the governor at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs said the project exemplifies the ARISE Agenda’s commitment to grassroots transformation and inclusive economic empowerment.
He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s collective vision to see similar projects across all local government areas of the state. He also called on the council to establish a strong monitoring system to ensure that the beneficiaries use the funds productively.
Eket Local Government Chairman described the occasion as a celebration of both infrastructure and economic support. He noted that the new conference hall is set to become a key venue for public and private events, offering increased internally generated revenue and new job opportunities for residents.
Highlighting the role of MSMEs in the state’s economy, the chairman said the N50 million disbursed to 500 small entrepreneurs signals strong support for the growth of micro and small businesses. He also announced the upcoming construction of an ultramodern legislative complex in Eket, further signaling the administration’s focus on infrastructure-led development.
Beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme expressed appreciation for the support and pledged to invest the funds responsibly to scale their businesses.
This development follows a similar intervention by the state government in March 2025, where 833 entrepreneurs from the Abak-Etim Ekpo-Ika Federal Constituency received part of a N5.1 billion grant set aside for MSMEs under the Micro Scale Medium Enterprises Development Scheme. The grant initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to reduce poverty, empower local businesses, and enhance economic resilience.
