In an applaudable display of empowerment, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, on Thursday, distributed cars, minibuses, tricycles, commercial motorcycles, and cash startup grants to 174 constituents as part of his empowerment programme.
The event, held at QIC Primary School, Abak Itenge, marked the third in a series of formal constituency briefings organised by Elder Otong, who has consistently facilitated a multi-faceted empowerment scheme that includes business funding and skills acquisition training for his constituents.
At the occasion, beneficiaries received a total of ₦33 million in business startup grants, providing essential capital for petty traders, artisans, and small business owners in Abak state constituency who are eager to grow but lack the initial funding to start.
The distribution included three brand new cars, 22 minibuses, 32 motorcycles, 13 cargo tricycles, 16 complete barbing kits, 12 hairdressing kits, 26 sewing machines, and four industrial sewing machines. Additionally, 36 power generators were given to those in need, all at no cost to the recipients.
Sources close to the Speaker say the inclusion of minibuses, motorcycles, and tricycles in the empowerment initiative was a strategic decision aimed at boosting the transportation sector, which provides employment for thousands of young people across Abak state constituency and Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.
Speaking at the occasion, Speaker Otong emphasised that the initiative was designed to complement the development efforts of Governor Umo Eno in enhancing the economic well-being of the people, noting that beneficiaries were selected from various local government areas.
The Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who was represented by Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, encouraged lawmakers who have yet to organise their constituency empowerment programmes to follow the example set by Speaker Otong and his colleagues.
The event also featured goodwill messages from several dignitaries, including Hon. Ime Effiong Charles, Chairman of Abak Local Government Area; Hon. Ekerette Inyang, Director-General of Campaigns; Elder Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information, who spoke on behalf of Abak stakeholders; and Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, State Chairman of the APC, among others.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Uwem Udoma, commanded Governor Umo Eno for sustaining a peaceful and cooperative relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government.
He urged members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to re-elect Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong as Speaker in the next Assembly, saying that his leadership has brought stability, unity and purposeful direction to the legislature.
Also speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the House Leader, Rt Hon Otobong Bob, congratulated the Speaker for his commitment to giving back to his constituents and urged beneficiaries to make wise use of the items received rather than selling them.
The event attracted numerous prominent political figures from across the state, including members of the State Executive Council led by the Dean on commissioners, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; a representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, traditional rulers, and various party leaders and stakeholders.
