• Prince Ukpong Akpabio, member AKHA
… as Atan Ikot Okoro community sends SOS to AKSG over landslide
By Itoro Bassey
In a remarkable display of generosity, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, on Saturday, doled out a business support grant to 15 constituents in Ukana West Ward 2.
Prince Akpabio, who made the donation during the ward meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the grant, totaling N1.5 million, would provide each beneficiary with N150,000 to boost their small-scale businesses in the community.
Similarly, another set of 20 beneficiaries in Ukana East received N100,000 each, totalling N2 million, from the Lawmaker, on Sunday, as part of his monthly business support grant for constituents. Hon Sunyiekekere Inokon, a party leader, who represented Prince Akpabio, made the presentation on behalf of the lawmaker.
It was gathered that the first set of recipients, consisting of five women and ten youths, were selected from fifteen villages in Ukana West Ward 2, while the second set of 20 people consisted of ten women and ten youths from Ukana East.
Overwhelmed with joy, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Prince Akpabio for his kind gesture.
According to them, the grant would not only help improve their businesses but also generate more sales and income, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families.
They commended the lawmaker for fulfilling his campaign promise of effective legislative representation and changing the narrative in Essien Udim State Constituency.
The PDP members in Ukana West Ward 2 also extended their appreciation to Prince Akpabio for sponsoring people-oriented bills and motions in the 8th Assembly.
They pledged their unwavering support to him and the party, while hoping to attract more dividends of democracy to their community.
During the PDP meeting on Saturday, the attention of the lawmaker was drawn to the plight of the residents of Atan Ikot Okoro community who, due to a landslide, have been isolated from the rest of the state, making it impossible for them to access other parts of the local government area.
The community pleaded with Prince Akpabio to help bring their situation to the government’s attention.
In response, Prince Akpabio assured the PDP faithfuls of his continuous support and solidarity.
He promised to visit the site of the landslide to gather firsthand knowledge of the situation, which, he noted, would enable him to raise the matter on the floor of the House through a Motion.
He reiterated the commitment of the Pastor Umo Eno-led administration to transform rural communities and attract developmental projects under the ARISE Agenda.
Prince Akpabio urged the PDP members to remain faithful to the party and Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
He assured them that their loyalty and support would not go unrewarded, as the governor has redefined governance with a people-centric approach.
The PDP Ward meeting was attended by various party leaders and members, including the Ward Leader, Hon. Aniekan Okon Akpan; Supervisor for Works, Hon. Nsidibe Ntuen; the councillor representing Ukana West 2 and Leader of Essien Udim Legislative Council, Hon. Pastor Nsikan Akpan, and Comrade Raymond Ekpe.
Comrade Raymond Ekpe, the PDP Chapter Youth Leader in Essien Udim, commended Prince Akpabio for his compassion and understanding of how to positively impact the lives of his constituents.
Ekpe, while interacting with this reporter on the outcome of the meeting, urged other political office holders in the area to follow suit and empower the people in need.
Ekpe said: “Prince Akpabio’s business support grant and his commitment to addressing the community’s concerns demonstrate his dedication to serving his constituents.
“His actions have undoubtedly endeared him to the hearts of the people, making him a true leader worth emulating”.
