Idara Jerome, Uyo
Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) has commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the ₦31 billion Economic Empowerment Programme but cautioned that the initiative would only achieve its full economic and social potential if beneficiaries are selected strictly on merit, fairness and transparency.
The foremost Ibibio socio-cultural organisation said ensuring that the right people benefit from the intervention would not only protect public confidence in the programme but also maximise its capacity to create jobs, strengthen small businesses, reduce poverty and stimulate sustainable grassroots economic growth across Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement signed by its International Public Relations Officer, Akparawa Idongesit Ikono, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Tuesday, MMI described the programme as one of the largest grassroots economic empowerment initiatives in the state’s history and applauded the governor for making such a significant investment in the productive capacity of the people.
The organisation particularly hailed the allocation of ₦1 billion to each of the state’s 31 local government areas, describing it as a bold demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and shared prosperity.
According to MMI, the programme’s focus on youths, women, traders, farmers, transport operators and small business owners reflects a clear understanding that sustainable economic growth is driven by empowering ordinary citizens who constitute the backbone of the state’s economy.
It noted that the intervention, expected to benefit about 165,912 people, extends beyond financial support to include skills acquisition, starter packs, agricultural inputs, cooperative support, transport empowerment and enterprise development designed to build long-term economic resilience.
While welcoming the inauguration of the implementation committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the organisation urged members to discharge their responsibilities with the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
“We expect the implementation to be guided strictly by merit, fairness and equity, ensuring that genuine beneficiaries are identified through an open and verifiable process that is completely insulated from partisan politics, favouritism and undue influence,” the statement said.
MMI stressed that directing the intervention to deserving beneficiaries would significantly increase its developmental impact by enabling recipients to expand businesses, improve productivity, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
“With an estimated 165,912 beneficiaries, this far-reaching intervention has the potential to deepen entrepreneurship, stimulate local enterprise, enhance agricultural productivity, create sustainable employment and significantly reduce poverty across the state,” it added.
The organisation also advised prospective beneficiaries to regard the grants and productive assets as investments for wealth creation rather than temporary financial relief.
“The grants, productive assets and other forms of support should not be viewed as a share of the ‘national cake’ or an avenue for short-term consumption. Rather, they should be deployed prudently to build sustainable businesses, create employment, increase productivity and improve the socio-economic well-being of families and communities,” MMI stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies that promote inclusive development, economic justice and social progress, expressing optimism that the programme would leave a lasting legacy if implemented transparently and insulated from undue influence.
MMI further congratulated the state government on what it described as a landmark intervention and urged citizens, community leaders and relevant institutions to support the implementation process to ensure the programme achieves its intended objectives across all 31 local government areas.