Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has received a comprehensive needs assessment document from the people of Ikot Abasi federal constituency as part of preparations for the state's 2026 budget. The governor disclosed this on Friday during an empowerment programme and town hall meeting with constituents of the area.
Participatory Governance in Budget Planning
According to Governor Eno, the document submission is designed to ensure direct citizen participation in governance processes, particularly in budget formulation. "The idea behind the document's submission is to get the people to continue to participate in governance; to have a voice so that when the government is preparing the 2026 budget, the people's demands can be easily accommodated," he stated.
The governor emphasized his administration's commitment to inclusive governance, adding, "We want everyone to participate and be proud of this government. What is, however, more important is that we are progressively moving forward, linking Akwa Ibom to the centre, to belong, to get its rights, and be counted."
Transparent Empowerment Initiatives
During the event, Governor Eno highlighted his administration's transparent approach to distributing grants to farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in micro, small, and medium enterprises. He noted that eligible Akwa Ibom residents could access these benefits without political connections or influential sponsors.
"We are making it possible for the child of a common man, who has no godfather or godmother, but applied through the portal to be screened and given a grant. We are making it go round, not on a party or group basis, but on the basis of our right as Akwa Ibomites," the governor explained.
In a demonstration of transparency, the administration published comprehensive details of all beneficiaries, including their trades, phone numbers, and grant amounts in the official event brochure.
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Local Government Support
The Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, described the town hall meeting as an avenue to bring government closer to the people and gather input for the 2026 budget planning process.
Speaking on behalf of the three local government chairmen in the federal constituency, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, praised Governor Eno as "a visionary leader, a promise-keeper, and a lover of good things who will be remembered for demystifying and simplifying leadership during his time."
