Governor Eno doles out N120m, unveils empowerment scheme
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the release of N120 million in grants and unveiled a robust empowerment scheme for the widows and families of fallen servicemen.
Governor Umo Eno announced the incentives on Wednesday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph on Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.
As part of the initiative, the state government will construct 150 lock-up stores, comprising 100 for widows of fallen military personnel and 50 for widows of deceased police officers and other paramilitary operatives.
The Governor disclosed that beneficiaries would also receive take-off grants to enable them to establish and sustain small-scale businesses.
Pastor Eno explained that the intervention reflects a deliberate shift from short-term financial assistance to long-term economic empowerment for families of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.
“In line with our commitment to the welfare of families of our fallen heroes, we are deliberately moving beyond one-off financial support to programmes that provide lasting economic stability,” the Governor stated.
Beyond the empowerment package, Governor Eno also announced immediate financial support totalling ₦120 million in appreciation to the serving personnel, a ₦10 million donation to officers on parade, an additional ₦20 million to widows present at the ceremony, as well as another ₦20 million to the Nigerian Legionaries, reaffirming his administration’s tradition of recognising sacrifice and excellence.
He recalled that in the previous year, the state government disbursed ₦250 million as welfare support, including ₦150 million to widows of fallen military personnel and ₦100 million to widows of fallen police officers.
According to Governor Eno, construction of the lock-up stores will commence immediately after the relevant service formations make land available for the project.
He added that the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Bureau of Cooperatives will jointly coordinate and supervise the project to ensure prompt and timely delivery.
Speaking on national unity and politics, Governor Eno urged leaders to continue to see politics as a platform for service rather than bloodshed, commending chairmen of political parties for personally attending the remembrance event.
He expressed optimism that leaders across party lines would continue to embrace politics of ideas, development, and peaceful engagement.
On national security, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as decisive leadership in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, noting observable improvements across various parts of the country.
He also paid glowing tribute to the courage and sacrifices of officers and men of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in active service and those who are currently engaged in various theatres of operations across the nation.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to security agencies, Governor Eno recalled previous interventions including the completion and commissioning of internal roads at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia last year.
He disclosed that the Command and Control Centre would be completed soon, alongside continued provision of amenities across service formations to enhance operational effectiveness.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is marked annually to honour Nigerian military personnel who died in the line of duty, while also recognising the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
Governor Eno, while calling on corporate organizations to support the security agencies, also called for continued peace in Akwa Ibom State and across Nigeria, stressing that the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes must never be forgotten.