…Pledges 1,000 ARISE Compassionate Homes, announces ₦50m youth empowerment grant at Ibom Ignite Conference
By Utibe-ima Okon
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has promised to increase the annual bursary for students in tertiary institutions across the state from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 if re-elected for a second term in 2027.
The Governor made the pledge during fireside chat, a panel session were he interacted with young people on the second day of the 2026 Ibom Ignite Conference at Ibom Hall, Uyo, outlining plans to expand youth empowerment, strengthen social welfare and promote innovation-driven economic growth.
Governor Eno also pledged to increase the number of ARISE Compassionate Homes from 500, already provided in the 368 wards in the state, to 1,000 during his second term. Describing the initiative as one of the most emotionally significant programmes of his administration, he reaffirmed his commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable citizens and supporting disadvantaged families.
At the conference, the Governor also announced a ₦50 million empowerment grant for participating youths to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance. He urged young people to take advantage of government-backed opportunities and equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and mindset required to succeed in an increasingly competitive economy.
According to him, initiatives such as Ibom LED, the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre and youth development centres across the state are designed to equip young people with practical skills and create pathways to economic independence. Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to monitoring youth development programmes and expanding opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
On economic development, the Governor emphasised the importance of private-sector participation, noting that government should focus on creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive rather than directly managing enterprises without the discipline required for commercial success.He cited Ibom Air as an example of how a business-oriented approach could contribute to economic growth, job creation and the state’s growing national and international profile.
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s efforts to strengthen Akwa Ibom’s tourism potential through investments in hospitality, conference facilities, aviation infrastructure and other tourism-related projects.
He said the investments formed part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s economy, create employment opportunities and prepare Akwa Ibom for a future beyond oil.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Strategy House Limited and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants, Dr. Maxwell Ubah, challenged young people to rethink their potential, redefine their challenges and reimagine their possibilities.
Dr. Ubah said meaningful progress required individuals to continually reinvent themselves, challenge existing limitations and redesign their circumstances in preparation for a better future.
He described the mind as an individual’s greatest asset, explaining that one’s thinking could either limit progress or serve as a foundation for achievement.
Using examples from business and technology, he urged young people to embrace innovation, challenge limiting beliefs and recognise that their backgrounds should not determine the limits of their aspirations.
He also challenged Akwa Ibom, as an oil-producing state, to rethink its development strategy by building an economy driven by innovation, creativity and enterprise.
According to him, knowledge that empowers people to identify opportunities and achieve sustainable progress is among the most valuable contributions to society.
The conference also featured a fireside chat with Governor Eno, moderated by a panel of anchors, including Sir Charles Udoh.
Participants raised questions on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, government policies and economic opportunities.
Governor Eno reiterated his willingness to engage young people, share knowledge and provide platforms through which they could develop their capacities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to support the state’s development agenda, stressing that building a resilient economy requires sustained investment in human capital, infrastructure and private enterprise.
