Eno hailed for transformative initiatives empowering persons with disabilities in Akwa Ibom

Uyo, Akwa Ibom – Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has received widespread commendation for his administration's pioneering welfare and empowerment programs aimed at uplifting persons with disabilities (PWDs), with a special focus on those in rural and underserved communities.

Under the ARISE Agenda, these initiatives have addressed critical areas such as food security, healthcare access, educational opportunities, and political inclusion, marking a significant step toward inclusive development in the oil-rich state.

Stakeholders, including disability rights advocates and community leaders, have praised the governor's efforts as a model for inclusive governance.

"Governor Eno's administration has truly enhanced the quality of life for PWDs, particularly through strategic appointments and targeted support," said David Anyaele, Founding Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).

He highlighted the inclusion of three PWDs in key roles within the governor's office, underscoring a commitment to representation at the highest levels.

Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Eno's government has rolled out a series of programs tailored to the needs of PWDs, ensuring that rural residents—who often face barriers to urban services—are not left behind.

– Education and Scholarships:

In a landmark move, the state established a N100 million Education Trust Fund specifically for students with disabilities (SWDs). This fund covers tuition and supports academic pursuits, with disbursements beginning in late 2023.

"This is to encourage them and make life easier for them," Governor Eno stated during the launch, noting that many SWDs outperform their non-disabled peers.

Student leaders have hailed the initiative, with the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) expressing gratitude for fulfilling campaign promises.

Over 1,000 indigent students, including those with disabilities, have benefited from related bursary schemes.

– Healthcare and Mobility Support:

Healthcare accessibility has been bolstered through partnerships and direct aid.

In a recent development on September 14, 2025, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking aids to PWDs, which Governor Eno received and pledged to distribute statewide, prioritizing rural areas.

This aligns with broader health efforts, including the construction of compassionate homes and primary health centers in remote constituencies.

Additionally, federal cash transfers of N2.1 billion to 28,000 vulnerable citizens—including PWDs—were lauded by the governor as a vital lifeline for medical and daily needs.

– Food Security and Economic Empowerment:

Tackling food insecurity head-on, the ARISE Farmers' Grant has empowered 276 PWDs and other indigenes with N492.7 million in farm inputs, trade support, and equipment across Uyo Federal Constituency.

Rural-focused palliative distributions, approved in 2023, include food items, seedlings, and agrochemicals delivered via local government committees involving PWD representatives.

These efforts ensure equitable access, with monitoring mechanisms to reach the "poorest of the poor" regardless of political affiliation.

In March 2025, 28 indigenes, including PWDs from rural districts, received empowerment packages through the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA), sustaining legacies of late First Lady Patience Umo Eno.

– Political Inclusion:

Political empowerment has seen PWDs integrated into decision-making structures.

During the 2024 PDP Local Government Congresses, representation for PWDs was mandated across all 31 LGAs, with executives elected to include disability advocates.

Governor Eno himself, who lives with albinism, has been celebrated as Nigeria's first albino governor, inspiring greater visibility for PWDs in politics.

The PDP's deliberate policy of inclusivity has been emulated statewide, fostering participation in party activities and governance.

Governor Eno's ARISE Agenda emphasizes human capital development, with the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre (Ibom-LED) training over 800 participants—including PWDs—in skills and entrepreneurship, backed by N400 million in grants.

"Akwa Ibom people hired us to work, and we came prepared," the governor reiterated in a recent address, committing to more projects like roads and elderly homes that indirectly benefit rural PWDs.

As Akwa Ibom marks two years of the Eno administration, these initiatives not only commend the governor's vision but also set a benchmark for other states.

With ongoing federal collaborations and private partnerships, the focus remains on sustainable inclusion, ensuring no PWD is left behind in the state's journey toward prosperity.