Ibom Ignite 2026: Gov Eno Tasks Youths on Judicious Use of N50m Business Grant
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged young entrepreneurs expected to benefit from the N50 million Ibom Ignite 2026 business grant to deploy the funds judiciously to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Eno gave the charge during a fireside chat on the second day of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference held on Wednesday, October 28, at Ibom Hall, Uyo.
The governor, who conceived the conference, stressed that the success of any business venture depended on the discipline and commitment of its owner, regardless of the amount invested.
He described the grant as an investment intended to support business ideas and promote enterprise development, warning beneficiaries against spending the funds on personal pleasure or unproductive ventures.
“Take the seed, plant and groom it religiously to accomplish your set business goal to turn-around your enterprise and live for the best,” he said.
Eno explained that business owners must understand the importance of managing their resources effectively to achieve their objectives and ensure the sustainability of their enterprises.
Eno Targets 1,000 Compassionate Homes in Second Term
The governor identified the construction of more than 500 Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents across the state’s 31 local government areas as one of his administration’s major achievements during its first term.
According to him, beneficiaries of the initiative also receive N500,000 each as business grants to enable them establish small businesses and improve their economic circumstances.
Eno promised to construct an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes across the state’s wards if re-elected for a second term in office.
He added that the beneficiaries of the proposed homes would also receive the accompanying business grants to support their livelihoods.
Eno Announces Higher Student Bursaries
The governor also announced plans to increase the bursary paid to students in public tertiary institutions in Akwa Ibom State from the current N50,000 to N200,000.
Under the proposed arrangement, students studying Medicine, Law and Engineering would receive N250,000 each.
He explained that the planned increase was aimed at easing the financial burden on students and helping them meet their educational expenses.
Eno, however, stated that the new bursary arrangement would take effect if he won the governorship election scheduled for February 2027 and was sworn in for a second term.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining free and compulsory education in public primary and secondary schools, while expanding support for young people pursuing higher education.
Governor Highlights Youth Development Programmes
Speaking on his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, Eno highlighted several skills acquisition and leadership development initiatives designed to equip young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become economically productive.
He specifically mentioned the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED), and the newly completed youth development centres across the state.
The governor said the initiatives reflected his administration’s determination to create opportunities for young people to develop their talents, establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth.
Ubah Urges Youths to Change Their Thinking
Earlier, the guest speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Strategy House Limited, Dr. Maxwell Ubah, urged young people to change their mindsets to achieve economic growth and become socially relevant.
Speaking on the theme, “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Future,” Ubah argued that wealth creation begins in the mind rather than in the external environment.
He cited Singapore and Dubai as examples of places that overcame geographical limitations through sound economic policies, visionary leadership and deliberate development strategies.
According to him, young people should learn to identify opportunities in challenging situations rather than allow difficulties to discourage them from pursuing their ambitions.
Ubah identified potentials, problems, passion and possibilities as key ingredients for success, urging participants to take bold steps towards achieving their goals despite the limitations they might encounter.
Other Speakers Attend Conference
Other speakers at the conference included the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hensek Integrated Services Limited, Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko (FNSE); Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Paul Bassey; and the governor’s Delivery Adviser on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh.
Also featured were the Sole Administrator of Ibom Paint and Programme Director at Ibom-LED, Mr. Ime Uwah, and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Start Innovation Hub, Mr. Hanson Johnson.
The conference brought together speakers and participants to discuss entrepreneurship, youth development, business opportunities and strategies for building a more prosperous future.
