Eket, April 6, 2025 – In a bold move to uplift small businesses, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has disbursed N50 million in grants to 500 petty traders in Eket Local Government Area (LGA). The initiative, part of the state’s ARISE Empowerment program, handed each trader N100,000 to grow their ventures, signaling a strong commitment to grassroots economic development.
The announcement came during the grand opening of a new 5,000-capacity conference hall in Eket, a project hailed as a game-changer for the region’s economy. Representing the governor, Mr. Frank Archibong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, underscored how the grants align with the ARISE Agenda—a blueprint focused on empowering communities and driving progress at the local level.
“This is the ARISE Agenda in action,” Archibong said. “We want to see more projects like this across every local government in Akwa Ibom. It’s about building a future where everyone thrives.” He also called on local officials to closely monitor the grant recipients to ensure the funds are put to good use, maximizing their impact on small businesses.
A Double Win for Eket
Eket LGA Chairman Akaniyene Tommey described the day as a “double celebration” of infrastructure and opportunity. The new conference hall, he said, will host events, conferences, and social gatherings, boosting the area’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and creating jobs. “This facility is a key driver for our economy,” Tommey noted. “It’s going to open doors for employment and growth.”
The N50 million grant, he added, is a lifeline for petty traders who form the backbone of Eket’s economy. “Supporting these 500 entrepreneurs shows our resolve to strengthen Small and Medium Enterprises,” Tommey said. “When they succeed, our whole community benefits.” Several traders at the event expressed gratitude, promising to use the funds to expand their stalls, stock more goods, and improve their livelihoods.
The ceremony also marked the start of another ambitious project: the foundation-laying for an ultramodern legislative complex in Eket. This development signals the state’s ongoing push to modernize infrastructure while fostering economic activity.
Building on a Legacy of Empowerment
This isn’t the first time Governor Eno has put money behind his vision. Just last month, in March 2025, he empowered 833 entrepreneurs across the Abak-Etim Ekpo-Ika Federal Constituency with grants from a N5.1 billion fund dedicated to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Eket initiative builds on that effort, targeting petty traders who often struggle to access capital.
Experts see this as a smart move. SMEs, including petty traders, drive much of Nigeria’s informal economy, employing millions and keeping local markets alive. By injecting N100,000 into each of these 500 businesses, the government is betting on a ripple effect—more trade, more jobs, and stronger communities.
As Akwa Ibom continues to roll out its ARISE Agenda, the focus on tangible support for traders and infrastructure development could set a model for other states. For now, Eket’s petty traders have a fresh shot at success, and the region’s future looks a little brighter.