The residents of the Ikot Abasi federal constituency have submitted a needs assessment paper to the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, in anticipation of the 2026 budget.
During an empowerment event and town hall meeting with the people of Ikot Abasi federal constituency on Friday, Eno revealed this and said that the document’s goal is to make sure that the budget includes the people’s demands and urgent needs.
“The idea behind the document’s submission is to get the people to continue to participate in governance; to have a voice so that the government can easily accommodate the people’s demands when they are preparing the 2026 budget,” he said.
Everyone should take part and be proud of their government, that is our goal. We are making headway in connecting Akwa Ibom to the centre, so it can belong, acquire its rights, and be counted. That is more important, though.
For the state to experience the full force of the federal government’s assistance, the governor underlined that it must advance gradually.
Eno added that he had made sure that qualified Akwa Ibomites received the grants—which were meant for farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in micro, small, and medium enterprises—without having to know any politician or godfather.
“Through the portal, we are enabling the screening and grant-giving process for the child of an ordinary man who does not have a godfather or godmother. He made it clear that they were acting in accordance with their right as Akwa Ibomites and not because they were part of any particular party or organisation.
In order to show that the government can be open and equitable, he also revealed that the official event brochure publicised the names, trades, phone numbers, and sums donated to the recipients.
In his opening remarks, Prince Enobong Uwah, secretary to the state government, set the tone by saying that the gathering was a chance for the government to hear the people out and address their concerns; the outcomes of this listening session will inform the 2026 budget.
In a welcome address that was delivered by the chairmen of the three local government areas that comprise the federal constituency, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, who is the chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, praised Governor Eno as a leader with vision, someone who keeps his word, and someone who loves good things. He said that Governor Eno will be remembered for making leadership easier and more accessible during his time in office.