Speaking during a well-attended Town Square meeting held in Oron Federal Constituency, the Governor revealed that as part of his second anniversary in office, he would officially flag off the construction of both the city gate and the sales office for the Deep Seaport. He said the ceremony would coincide with the commissioning of the Uyenge–Deep Seaport Road.
“We are done with talking. We are done with drawing. We are done with paperwork. Now is the time for action,” Governor Eno declared. “This is a step forward in our quest to deliver this important project.”
The Town Square meeting, held to enable residents of Oron Federal Constituency present their development needs directly to the state government, also featured the disbursement of N355 million in grants to farmers, traders and entrepreneurs from the five local government areas in the constituency—Oron, Okobo, Udung Uko, Urue Offong Oruko, and Mbo.
According to details released at the event, N51 million was allocated to 108 farmers under the N2 billion Farmers’ Loan scheme; 543 business owners received a total of N225 million; and 10 young entrepreneurs were supported with N5 million in grants.
Governor Eno said the grants were in line with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which places emphasis on entrepreneurial growth and agricultural development.
“We have received the Needs Document and will assess it locally by the local government. It will form part of the 2026 budget, which we’ve christened ‘The People’s Budget’,” he stated. “Even if we cannot execute every single project listed, we will ensure at least one is carried out in each of the five local government areas. We are committed to fairness and will not leave any federal constituency behind.”
The Governor also expressed satisfaction with ongoing construction on the 14km Airport–Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, describing the work pace by contractor Hensek Integrated Services as commendable. “That road has passed through three administrations and has served as a campaign slogan,” he said. “But with the finisher’s anointing God has given us, that road will soon be commissioned.”
Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, an indigene of the constituency, praised the Governor for prioritising projects in the Oro area. “The Governor is very passionate about Oro. Everything I ask of him for our people, he’s always willing to approve. Thank you for loving me and my people,” she said.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, said the event was aimed at listening to the concerns of the Oro people so they can be properly reflected in the state’s 2026 budget. He added that the ARISE grants for traders, farmers, and MSMEs would continue to empower the grassroots. “For the love you’ve shown the Governor, he will show you even more—now and till 2031,” he added.
Also speaking, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, who led the delegation of stakeholders from the Oron Federal Constituency, thanked the Governor for “depopulating the kingdom of the devil” by creating jobs and economic opportunities for the youth. “Our people shall stand by you in appreciation of your excellent performance across the state and especially in Oron,” he said.
To show their appreciation, traditional leaders adorned the Governor with customary Oro attire—a wrapper and cap—while lawmakers from the constituency passed a vote of confidence on the Governor. The motion, moved by Hon. Martin Esin and seconded by Chief Whip Chief Effiong Johnson, received unanimous support.
In his goodwill message, the President-General of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, lauded the Governor for his achievements and pledged continued support in the next electoral cycle.
Representing the state’s traditional rulers, the Paramount Ruler of Udung Uko and Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, commended the Governor for his “walk-the-talk” approach and declared royal backing for a second term in office.
Chairmen of the local government areas within the federal constituency, led by Hon. Uno Etim Uno of Urue Offong Oruko, also affirmed their support for the Governor and his developmental initiatives, pledging loyalty throughout his eight-year tenure.
The event concluded with the presentation of grant cheques to beneficiaries by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, alongside Senator Ekong Sampson and PDP State Chairman, Aniekan Akpan.
