Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has released an additional N2.3 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants in the state.
The latest disbursement brings the total amount paid by his administration since assuming office on May 29, 2023, to approximately N80 billion, according to a statement from the government.
The Governor had, during the presentation of the 2026 budget, reiterated his commitment to steadily reducing the backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations. Upon taking office, Governor Eno met a N111 billion backlog of gratuities and other emoluments dating back to 2012.
The payment of gratuities is a key component of the Governor’s social investment agenda, which prioritises compassionate governance and support for vulnerable citizens.
In his inaugural address, Governor Eno had pledged to be the voice and symbol of the vulnerable, drawing from his personal story of triumph over adversity. Nearly three years into his tenure, the administration has recorded significant milestones in social intervention programmes.
335 Compassionate Homes, Elderly Support, Free Health Insurance
The government said 335 ARISE Compassionate Homes have been constructed and handed over to beneficiaries, with the Governor on track to deliver 500 units before the end of his first term in office.
Under the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, 50 elders drawn from all 368 wards in the state continue to receive N50,000 monthly support on a rotational basis. Additionally, over 10,000 of the most vulnerable persons have been enrolled in the ARISE Medical Insurance Scheme free of charge.
Beyond social investment, the Eno administration is executing ambitious projects across multiple sectors, including tourism, aviation, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and power.