The second phase of a ₦1bn family-based agricultural and business support initiative for 1,000 constituents has been announced by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State, Rep. Unyime Idem.
Under the initiative, each selected beneficiary will receive ₦1m in cash or agricultural and business equipment worth more than ₦1m. The support will depend on the beneficiary’s enterprise and its needs.
Idem, chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, also released nomination guidelines under the Renewed Hope/ARISE Agenda Programme. Village committees will nominate beneficiaries.
The initiative follows its first phase, launched on December 6, 2025, when ₦1bn was disbursed to 1,000 beneficiaries as ₦1m grants to establish or expand businesses. The second phase will focus on farmers and entrepreneurs in agriculture, agribusiness and trading. The programme aims to strengthen livelihoods and local businesses.
Who can benefit?
Residents across the constituency’s approximately 300 villages may be considered. Women, youths, older persons and persons with disabilities are eligible. Selection should not depend on political or religious connections.
However, applicants must come from families that did not benefit from the first phase. Each village is expected to nominate three people, subject to the overall target of 1,000 beneficiaries. At least one nominee from each village must be a woman.
How will beneficiaries be selected?
Each village will constitute a four-member committee. The Village Political Leader, also known as the Unit Leader, will be chairman, while the Village Head will be co-chairman. The Village Youth President will serve as secretary, and the Village Women Leader will be a member. Family heads will also participate.
The committees will nominate candidates through consensus. Where agreement cannot be reached, balloting will be used. The Central Planning Committee (CPC) will observe the exercise but will not select beneficiaries.
All four committee members must sign nomination forms before submission to the CPC. Nominations may be cancelled where irregularities, sharp practices or serious breaches are established. An independent verification exercise will confirm nominees’ village residence and the committees’ compliance.
Selected nominees will complete designated forms and provide personal details, a recent passport photograph and valid identification. Accepted documents include a National Identification Card, international passport, driver’s licence or Permanent Voter’s Card.
Support will be paid directly into each beneficiary’s own verifiable bank account. Proxy accounts will not be accepted. Bank details will be communicated later.
Training and key dates
Beneficiaries must undergo mandatory business training before disbursement. A Nigerian business firm will deliver the training and monitor the support to encourage proper use.
Village committees will be inaugurated at 10am on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Unyime Idem Mega Skills Acquisition and Empowerment Centre, Barracks Road, Ukanafun Local Government Area.
How to apply
The released guidelines do not state an individual online application process. Constituents should contact the designated committee in their village and participate in the village-level nomination exercise. Committees must submit completed forms to the CPC on or before December 15, 2026. Those not selected may be considered in future annual batches.