A’Ibom lawmaker empowers 61 constituents with N15.25m grants

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The member representing Essien Udim State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ukpong Akpabio II, has empowered 61 constituents with grants totalling over N15.25 million.

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The beneficiaries were empowered under the first phase of the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme.

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Speaking while flagging off the empowerment programme in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area, on Monday, the lawmaker said each beneficiary would receive N250,000 to support and expand his or her business or agricultural venture.

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The event, which coincided with Akpabio’s third anniversary as a member of the State House of Assembly, attracted an array of stakeholders, including current and former political office holders, community leaders, youth representatives and party stalwarts.

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“In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda of our Governor, Umo Eno, today, 61 beneficiaries of this empowerment programme will receive the sum of N250,000 each under the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme to support and expand their business ventures,” Akpabio said.

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He explained that the initiative was designed to fulfil his campaign promise to empower young people and enhance economic opportunities for his constituents.

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According to him, the grant complements the educational, youth empowerment and human capacity development programmes being championed by Governor Umo Eno under the ARISE Agenda, as well as the empowerment initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

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The lawmaker disclosed that a monitoring committee had been constituted to oversee the utilisation of the grants and ensure that beneficiaries invest the funds in productive ventures capable of strengthening and expanding their businesses.

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He said, “We have constituted a monitoring committee to ensure that the funds you have received are properly utilised in a way that will sustain and strengthen your businesses.”

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Akpabio said the empowerment programme would continue in phases to promote entrepreneurship, agricultural development and economic self-reliance among his constituents.

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He also highlighted his legislative achievements over the past three years, revealing that he had sponsored 10 bills and moved more than 20 motions, alongside carrying out oversight functions and maintaining close engagement with constituents.

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Providing details of the selection process, the Chairman of the Business and Agric Grant Committee, Engr. Enobong Patrick explained that five beneficiaries were selected from each of the 11 wards in Essien Udim Local Government Area, while an additional six beneficiaries were chosen under the Special Consideration Category, largely comprising persons with disabilities.

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In his remarks, the State Publicity Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Paul Ibara, who led other youth leaders to the event, commended Prince Akpabio for what he described as people-oriented representation.

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Ibara praised the lawmaker’s legislative contributions, empowerment initiatives and constituency projects, including the construction of three Compassionate Homes, noting that the interventions had positively impacted many residents.

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The ceremony was attended by several prominent sons and daughters of Essien Udim, including the APC State Secretary, Envoy Nsentip Akpabio; former members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Sunday Akpan and Hon. Suyiekekere Inokon, former member of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Barr. Martin Umanah, and the Secretary of Essien Udim Local Government Council, Dr Margaret Udofia, among others.

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