NEWS
500 Akwa Ibom entrepreneurs to receive business grant from state government
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, has announced a seed capital of N500,000.00 to the fourth Cohort of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme, EAP, as part of his administration’s commitment to nurturing new business leaders and entrepreneurial development through the ARISE Agenda

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the IBOM- LED Complex in Uyo, the State Capital, Governor Eno urged participants to approach the 10-week training with discipline, passion, and commitment.
According to the Governor “You are fortunate to be in a State that is not only training you as entrepreneurs but also providing a seed capital to start your journey. Do not take it for granted or treat it as an entitlement. The ₦500,000, that you would be given can transform your life if managed with discipline ”
“Ibom LED is here to guide you on how to utilise that seed money to start or grow your business,” He stressed.
He urged the beneficiaries to take their destinies in their hands cognisant of the fact that it is not the amount that matters, but the passion to succeed.
The Governor who is the visioner of the Royalty Group, recalled how he started his chain of businesses with just a 5-room hotel, affirming that through dedication, commitment, focus and grace of God, it metamorphosed into a bigger organisation.
He also highlighted his administration’s prudent financial management, noting that Akwa Ibom State has operated without borrowing for over two years. This, he said, has enabled continued investments in projects and initiatives like the EAP and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC).
Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Ime Uwah, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development and Director-General of Ibom LED, outlined the Governor’s vision for the EAP.
He disclosed that the programme has trained 1,200 entrepreneurs to date, with 500 more set to benefit in the current cohort. Uwah further explained that Ibom-LED actively monitors and evaluates businesses after training to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Speaking about the formation of the Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs Association, Uwah stated that the body will galvanize the state’s business community and align with the Governor’s entrepreneurial vision.
In their goodwill messages, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob, Team Lead of Ibom LED and Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), praised the transformation of the once-neglected Ibom e-Library into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial training.
He noted that the centre is shaping modern business mindsets and equipping participants to compete globally, with support from an active alumni network.
Similarly, Prof. Enoidem Usoroh, Rector of Dakkada Skill Acquisition Center (DASAC) commended Governor Eno for integrating the centre’s graduates into the EAP. He described the collaboration as a major boost for skills development in the State.

The event also featured the formal inauguration of the Association of Akwa Ibom Entrepreneurs, with Mr. Ime Uwah serving as its pioneer president.
Governor Eno, while inaugurating the Association expressed delight that the association is being led by entrepreneurs and announced a ₦10 million support grant for the body.
He however challenged the association to register at least 10,000 business owners to enhance mentorship, promote entrepreneurship, and elevate the dignity of labour in Akwa Ibom State.
Crime
TWO SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS LINKED TO MURDER AND KIDNAPPING IN ETINAN IN POLICE NET
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into an armed robbery operation during which one person was murdered and another kidnapped at Ikot Itienang Village, Ekom Iman, Etinan Local Government Area, on July 12, 2026.
Following a petition on the incident addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, a team of detectives from the Command promptly commenced an intelligence-led investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible for the heinous crime.
The painstaking investigation according to a Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, led to the arrest of two suspected members of the armed robbery gang identified as one Gospel Effiong, a.k.a. “Python,” and Solomon Okon, a.k.a. “Plane,”
In the course of the investigation, two other suspects were also arrested in connection with the crime. They are Musa Kabiru, a native of Plateau State, alleged to be a receiver of some of the stolen items, and Victor Dickson.
During the operation, the following items were recovered from the residence of one of the arrested suspects, Solomon Okon a.k.a. “Plane”:
* A locally made pistol with one cartridge;
* A large quantity of suspected Indian hemp;
* A red cap bearing the inscription “Supreme Red Skin Confraternity”;
* item suspected to be charm; and
* Other incriminating items relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The Command views the development as a major step forward in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for violent crimes and to bring perpetrators of murder, kidnapping and armed robbery to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, commends the detectives for their diligence, professionalism and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.
The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that persons involved in violent crimes are identified, apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the Police with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing criminal activities across the State.
Crime
Police arrests five drug dealers, recovers illicit drugs in Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspects over illicit drug related offences.

The command under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, recorded this significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of criminal hideouts, illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality.
In a statement made available to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted in furtherance of the Commissioner of Police’s operation Zero Black Spot and sustained directive to deny criminals safe havens across the State.
Following credible intelligence received by operatives of the Command.
On 11 August 2026, at about 1600hrs, operatives of the Command conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Mbak Itam, Ikot Mbang.
During the operation, five suspects believed to be involved in the illicit distribution and sale of controlled substances were arrested. They are:
1. Abraham Emmanuel (male)
2. Happiness Archibong (female)
3. Esther Okon (female)
4. Esther Udo (female)
5. Chinedu Benjamin (male)
Several other suspects fled the scene upon sighting the Police vehicle.
Items recovered from the suspects include large quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Tramadol, Loud, Ice, as well as the sum of ₦42,000.00, suspected to be proceeds connected to the illicit drug trade.
The Commissioner of Police has commended the operatives for their courage, vigilance and commitment to duty, while reiterating that the Command will continue to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements, particularly those who exploit isolated locations as bases for drug trafficking, cultism and other violent crimes.
The Command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that there will be no safe haven for criminals in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing Zero Black Spot initiative is aimed at identifying, disrupting and dismantling locations being used to facilitate criminal activities, while strengthening security and public confidence across communities.

The Command therefore calls on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information that can assist the Police in preventing and detecting crime.
Crime
POLICE RECOVERS STOLEN HILUX, ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULTIST WITH THREE LIVE CARTRIDGES
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained fight against cultism, vehicle theft and other criminal activities across the State.
According to a Press statement signed by DSP Timfon John and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday 10th August 2026, two men were sighted by Operatives of the command while on routine patrol on 7th August, 2026 at about 1500hrs in possession of a Toyota Hilux with black bonnet and registration number NYA 399 AA, earlier reported stolen the previous day 6 August 2026 at Udo Eduok Street, off Aka Road, Uyo.
On sighting the Police, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.
The owner, one Mr. Reginald, was contacted who subsequently identified the recovered vehicle as his property. The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation at about 2330hrs the same day, operatives of the Command while conducting stop-and-search along Abak Road by the Federal Secretariat, Uyo, arrested one Emmanuel Emmanson, 21, of Mkpat Enin LGA, and recovered three live cartridges from him.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity and stated that the cartridges were intended for a cult initiation exercise in a bush.
The suspect remains in custody as investigation continues, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected unlawful group.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, commends the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, and assures members of the public that the Command will sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies to protect lives and property.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles and activities to the Police.

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