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VP Shettima Launches ₦1bn Family Business Grant Initiative In Akwa Ibom
VP Shettima Launches ₦1bn Family Business Grant Initiative In Akwa Ibom
** Says governance must deliver grassroots prosperity for all Nigerian households
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday launched a one billion naira family-based business grant initiative in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, describing the programme as a model for translating democratic promises into tangible economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to interventions that directly uplift households and stimulate inclusive growth.
Speaking at the launch of the Renewed Hope/ARISE Agenda grant programme, VP Shettima noted that sustainable national development requires empowering citizens to become active participants in economic reconstruction.
“There is greater honour in empowering a man to create than in offering him a fleeting gift. True empowerment endures because it teaches the mind to search for its own doors, its own pathways, and its own opportunities,” the Vice President said.
The initiative, conceived by the member representing Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, provides seed capital directly to families to establish or expand small enterprises.
The Vice President said the programme exemplifies President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda priorities, which include economic empowerment, job creation, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, poverty reduction, and expanded social protection.
He stated: “This gathering aligns with the principle that democracy works when the dividends promised by us reach families at the grassroots, uplift our communities, and expand opportunities for all.
“Democracy finds its true essence not in speeches but in interventions that touch the lives of ordinary people in extraordinary ways.”
The Vice President praised the collaboration between federal and state governments, specifically acknowledging Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agricultural expansion, rural development, SME support, and social inclusion.
“This is what governance should look like: a seamless convergence of federal and state agendas at the exact point where citizens feel the impact.When leadership aligns in purpose, the people inherit progress,” he said.
The Vice President said the family-based approach would strengthen local enterprises, increase household incomes, expand the local economy, empower women and youth, reduce dependency, and enhance productivity and self-reliance.
“When a family is empowered, a community is empowered; when a community is empowered, a nation is strengthened,” he explained.
VP Shettima urged beneficiaries to invest the seed capital wisely, noting its potential to become the foundation for generational progress.
He assured constituents not included in the initial distribution that subsequent batches would accommodate everyone, adding that no one will be left out in the initiative.
The Vice President positioned the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam programme as a template for public office holders nationwide.
“You have demonstrated that politics is most noble when it delivers hope, opportunity, and dignity. So, I extend to you the gratitude of the nation, and I congratulate Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem for recognising the danger of a nation left idle, and for choosing instead to invest in the industrious spirit of his people,” he added.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the Vice President for always honouring the state’s invitation, saying he is seen in the state “not only as a distinguished leader but as a brother who has been warmly embraced,” by the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
“Your frequent visits to Akwa Ibom State have demonstrated a commitment to our people and our development. I am confident that our governor has graciously extended his hospitality to you, reflecting the strong bonds we share as sons of this great state,” Senator Eyakenyi said.
The Deputy Governor urged the beneficiaries to utilize the funds wisely, invest in their businesses, and ultimately contribute to the local economy.
On his part, the member representing Unyime Idem of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Unyime Idem, thanked the Vice President for gracing the launch, noting that the process of distributing the grant was quite transparent and open, with 3,000 families benefiting.
“What it, therefore, means is that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government and the ARISE Agenda of the state were fully captured,” the lawmaker explained, just as he assured that President Tinubu’s second term bid is secured, as the benefiting were ready to vote and return the President come 2027.
VP Shettima Launches ₦1bn Family Business Grant Initiative In Akwa Ibom
News
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
By: Zagazola Makama
Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State on Wednesday visited Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area, scene of a recent bandit attack, where he admitted the incident and pledged decisive action to secure the release of those abducted.
The governor, who commiserated with the victims and their families, described the Jan. 18 attack on three churches in the community as painful and unacceptable, assuring residents that his administration would intensify efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.

Sani said the state government would work closely with the military and other security stakeholders to ensure the safe return of all captives and prevent a recurrence of such attacks.
He appealed to the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), a native of Kaduna State, to support the establishment of a military base in the area to enhance security and deter criminal elements.
The governor also announced plans to construct an access road to Kurmin Wali, establish a Primary Health Care centre, and provide other social amenities to improve living conditions and strengthen government presence in the community.

Addressing international and local journalists who accompanied him to the village, Sani said his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property across Kaduna State.

Residents of Kurmin Wali thanked the governor for the visit and pledged their cooperation with the government to help secure the release of the abducted persons and sustain peace in the area.
Gov. Uba Sani visits scene of Kurmin Wali attack,vows to free captives
News
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness the Emir of Tikau in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema II, has called on the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, to carry everybody along in the emirate for the development of the nation.
The royal father made the appeal today at his place in Sabon Garin Nangere while receiving the new emir of Gamawa in Bauchi state, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu. He said the creation of emirates is a great development for the nation.
“As we know, there was a very strong relationship between the Gamawa and Tikau emirates, and these will continue existing, and we share a boundary with them, and there was something that was raised between us and them, and anything that affected them affected us directly.” The Royal Father said.
According to Mai Tikau, the most cases we have are the conflicts between the farmers and the herders from time to time. Sometimes they will enter our territory, and sometimes we will enter their own, adding that, for the issue of the border, we hope with your coming as the new emir of Gamawa, this problem will be solved.
Speaking earlier, the emir of Gamawa, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir Adamu, said they were at Tikau Place to express their appreciation to the royal father, the emir of Tikau, for his support given to us since we emerged as the new emir of Gamawa.
He said, “Immediately His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad Kaura, created this emirate. Mai Tikau is the first person who sent a delegation to Gamawa to congratulate us.”
The Emir of Tikau urges the new Emir of Gamawa to carry his people along for the development of the emirate
News
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum
By: Yahaya Wakili
The former Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, has paid a surprise visit to Hafsatu Gimba Ahmed Memorial School in Potiskum, where he was warmly received by the students and the school management.
During the visit, the former minister distributed educational materials and foodstuff to the pupils and commended the school’s leadership for its commitment to quality education.

Adamu Waziri moved from classroom to classroom, where he engaged directly with students in a cheerful and fatherly manner and charged them to take their studies seriously, noting the importance of reading as a key to personal and national development.
He commended the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, the publisher/editor-in-chief of NEPTUNE PRIME, for his dedication to education and community service as a whole, adding that what Dr. Hassan Gimba has done here is not just building a school but building a legacy.
Earlier, the proprietor of the school, Dr. Hassan Gimba Ahmed, ably represented by the school’s management, thanked Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri for his generosity and continued interest in youth development and described the visit as a major encouragement to the school and the community hosting it.
“This gesture underscores Adamu Maina Waziri’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders even beyond his years of public service.
The highlight of the visit concluded with a group photograph and heartfelt appreciation from students, many of whom said they were inspired by the former minister’s humility and kindness.
The former minister of police affairs was accompanied by Dr. Zainab Boni Haruna, Engr. Abubakar Adamu Waziri (alias Cargo), Hon. Umar Khali, ADC state party chairman, Hon. Lawan Mammadu Kori, and Dr. Mamu Muhammad, among others.
Former Minister visits Gimba Memorial School in Potiskum.
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