Akwa Ibom Govt Warns Against ₦25,000 Fake Christmas Grant Scam

The Akwa Ibom State government has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent link that falsely promises a Christmas grant from Governor Umo Eno. 

The scam, which claims recipients will receive ₦25,000 after completing a questionnaire, has been condemned by the state government.

In a statement released on December 21, 2024, Governor Umo Eno’s spokesperson, Ekerete Udoh, dismissed the link as a scam intended to deceive the public. 

“We wish to state emphatically that this is the handiwork of scammers, and the link is, therefore, false and made with the express intent to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public,” Udoh said.

The statement further clarified that the only grant currently disbursed by the state government is the Arise Business Support Grant, which provides ₦50,000 to 15,000 unemployed youths across Akwa Ibom. 

“This grant is the first tranche of the Arise Business Support Grant for October, November, and December 2024, which Governor Eno promised during the Youth Appreciation Rally in September,” Udoh explained.

The government emphasized that the alleged “Governor Umo Eno 25 thousand Naira Christmas Cash Grant” is a fabrication and urged the public to disregard it. "The event, which took place on Thursday, December 19, 2024, was widely covered by the media,” the statement added.

Authorities are currently investigating the fraudulent scheme, with security agencies pursuing the scammers responsible. This warning follows a tragic incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at an event distributing free food and cash led to the deaths of 35 people, including many children.

The Akwa Ibom State government has reassured citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the scam.