Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday unveiled a N1 billion family-based business grant initiative in the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a practical model for transforming democratic promises into real economic empowerment for households at the grassroots. He said the administration remains committed to interventions that directly uplift families and stimulate inclusive growth across communities by enabling people to build livelihoods instead of depending solely on government support.
Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope/ARISE Agenda Grant Programme, the Vice President noted that sustainable national development rests on empowering citizens to become active contributors to economic rebuilding. He said there is greater honour in giving people the tools to create wealth than in offering short-term handouts, adding that empowerment becomes meaningful when it helps people identify opportunities and build long-term stability.
The grant programme, initiated by the representative of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, provides seed capital for families to start or expand small-scale ventures. According to Shettima, the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic empowerment, MSME development, job creation, poverty reduction, and social protection. He stressed that democracy finds expression where interventions directly touch households and give ordinary people the chance to grow rather than merely listen to speeches.
He acknowledged the synergy between the federal government and the Akwa Ibom State Government and praised Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which places emphasis on agricultural expansion, rural development, SME support and social inclusion. He described the collaboration as an example of governance working at the point where citizens feel a tangible impact and said progress happens faster when leadership at both levels aligns in purpose.
The Vice President emphasised that a family-centred empowerment model holds potential to strengthen local businesses, increase household income, and stimulate the constituency’s internal economy. He said the approach will empower women and young people, reduce overdependence, enhance productivity, and promote self-reliance within communities. He reminded beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously and assured those not captured in the first phase that additional rounds will follow so participation can widen over time.
Shettima commended the constituency representative for creating a programme that supports enterprise rather than consumption, adding that the initiative should serve as a model for public office holders across the country. He said politics is most noble when it delivers hope, opportunity and dignity, and praised the initiator for choosing to invest in the industrious capacity of the people.
Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi appreciated the Vice President for what she described as consistent support for the state and noted that his attendance signals a genuine commitment to human development. She urged beneficiaries to invest wisely so the impact can multiply across households and communities.
The programme initiator said transparency guided the distribution process, confirming that three thousand families benefited from the first phase. He explained that the project reflects shared priorities between the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the state’s ARISE Agenda, adding that the initiative is expected to deepen enterprise growth in local communities and strengthen the small business economy.
