By SUNDAY BASSEY

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, on Saturday, provided N50 million grant for 500 petty traders in Eket in the effort to assist them make a difference in their businesses.

Eno, at inaugurated a 5000-capacity Conference Hall in Eket Local Government Area of the state, explained that the beneficiaries were petty traders under the Eket ARISE Empowerment Initiative.

The governor, who was represented by Mr Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, further explained that each of the 500 petty traders would receive the sum of N100,000.

According to him, the money will make a lot of difference for the petty traders in the area.

“This is Arise Agenda at work in the local government; this government is desirous of seeing more of this project in the landscape of every local government areas in Akwa Ibom.

“The project reflects collective vision for progress and determination to complement the transformative ARISE AGENDA, championed by the administration,’’ he said.

Eno urged the council to ensure that monitoring mechanism was put in place to monitor how successful the beneficiaries were able put the grant to use.

He, however, commended the council for achieving the conference hall project, describing it as landmark since it would serve as a place for meetings.

Also speaking, Mr Akaniyene Tommey, the Eket Local Government Chairman, said that the event was not merely infrastructure and economic empowerment celebration but a tangible evidence of unwavering commitment to people’s growth and prosperity.

Tommey said that the ARISE AGENDA of Gov. Eno led-administration was a well-crafted roadmap designed to uplift the socio-economic standards of Akwa Ibom.

He said the facility was designed to serve as a premier hub for major events, conferences, and social gatherings.

“It will be a key driver of our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and will also create numerous employment opportunities in the area,” Tommey said.

The Chairman explained that the N50 million grant to 500 entrepreneurs was a clear demonstration of the resolve to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are the backbone of the economy.

He said the proposed Ultramodern Eket legislative complex would mark another stride in infrastructural development journey when completed.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Deborah Willie, commended the Chairman for finding her worthy to benefit from the empowerment grants.

She promised to use the money judiciously in order to grow her petty trading business in the area.

The highlight of the event was the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ultramodern Eket legislative complex. (NAN)