… increases students bursary to N200,000, N250,000 for medicine, law, engineering students
… targets 1000 compassionate homes in second term
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has tasked youths who would benefit from the N50 million Ibom Ignite grant to deploy it judiciously as seed funds for transformation of their businesses, lives and society.
Fielding questions during a Fireside Chat session on Day Two of the Ibom Ignite 2026 Conference held on Wednesday October 28, 2026 at Ibom Hall, Uyo, the Governor noted that irrespective of the amount given, a serious entrepreneur must be disciplined enough to always deploy business funds diligently and judiciously to achieve set objectives.
Governor Eno who is the visionary of the conference, said the fund is an investment to power a business or idea and not for one’s pleasure or fruitless adventures, stressing that a seed not properly planted and tended was as good as dead.
“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.
The Governor disclosed that his greatest satisfaction in this first tenure of his administration was building over 500 Compassionate Homes for the less privileged across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State.
“For each of the beneficiaries of the Compassionate Homes, N500,000 is equally given as a business grant to help them start off something for their sustenance and improved living,” he said.
He promised to build an additional 1,000 Compassionate Homes accompanied with the usual business grant in all the Wards of the State when elected for a second term.
Speaking on his passion for young people, Governor Eno said his administration has embarked on different training programmes targeted at transforming the lives of the youth.
He specifically mentioned the trainings received by youths at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Center, Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre, Ibom LED, and at the newly-completed youth development centres across the State.
Governor Eno said he was committed to ensuring a better future for the youth, adding that besides sustaining the free and compulsory education for primary and secondary schools, the increase in the bursary provision for those in public tertiary institutions is to enable them handle their tuition fees with less difficulties.
He, subsequently, announced an increased student bursary from the current N50,000 to N200,000 for all students, except those studying Medicine, Law and Engineering who will be paid N250,000.
He said the new bursary regime will come into effect if he is victorious at the governorship elections scheduled for February, 2027 and sworn into office for a second term.
Earlier in his presentation on the theme: “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Future,” the Guest Speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Strategy House Limited, Dr. Maxwell Ubah, urged young people to change their thought pattern for economic growth and social relevance, stressing that wealth is not created in external environment, but in the mind.
He made reference to the story of Singapore, and Dubai noting that despite their geographical disadvantages, their leaders instituted sound economic reforms and transformation, adding that every problem should be seen as a money making opportunity
He identified key ingredients for success to include; potentials, problems, passion and possibilities, and called on youths not to be deterred by the challenges or limitations of others but take steps to soar against all odds.
The conference also featured other prominent speakers including; 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, Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, Sole Administrator of Ibom Paint and Programme Director at Ibom-LED, Mr. Ime Uwah, and Founder/CEO of Start Innovation Hub, Mr. Hanson Johnson.
