In a historic display of commitment and generosity, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, (Ph.D), the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, hosted a grand end-of-year empowerment event on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. This event marked the official commencement of his N600 million empowerment program for the fourth quarter of 2024, aimed at uplifting constituents and celebrating the yuletide season.
The event, held at Ikot Odu, Ndiya, attracted dignitaries, traditional rulers, and over 2,500 beneficiaries from Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas. The centrepiece of the ceremony was the disbursement of N250 million in business grants and Christmas financial support, benefiting a broad spectrum of constituents.
In his opening remarks, Rep. Ukpong-Udo expressed heartfelt gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support throughout his political journey. Rep. Ukpong-Udo outlined the categories of beneficiaries, with grants ranging from N300,000 to N2 million. A total of 392 beneficiaries received business grants amounting to N250 million, designed to empower small-scale entrepreneurs and support families during the festive season.
Looking ahead, the lawmaker unveiled plans for 2025 under initiatives such as “Macaire in His Presence” and “Macaire in Your Community,” which are set to empower over 6,000 constituents with an estimated N1 billion in grants and various start-up kits. These programs further underline his commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable development to Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency.
He further praised the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for their dedication to fostering peace and development in the region.
The Director-General of the Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, Barr. Edet Inyangidim, delivered a goodwill message, lauding Rep. Ukpong-Udo for his transparency and fulfilment of campaign promises. He expressed confidence in the lawmaker’s ability to sustain his developmental strides and endorsed him for future leadership roles. Other notable speakers included Mr. Wilson James, an indigene of Odoro Ikono in Ini LGA, who pledged his unwavering support for Rep. Ukpong-Udo, and Hon. Etetim Awatim, a former council helmsman of Ini LGA. Awatim commended the lawmaker’s focus on human capacity development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure growth while urging constituents to pray for his continued success.
The event renewed trust between the lawmaker and his constituents, reinforcing his reputation for financial integrity and dedication to community development. Beneficiaries and supporters left the venue with renewed hope, inspired by Rep. Ukpong-Udo’s vision for a prosperous and empowered constituency. As the festive season comes to a close, the people of Ikono and Ini LGAs are poised for a brighter future under the impactful leadership of Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo.
