Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom state on Saturday June 8, 2024 came alive as the member representing the area in the house of assembly donated two houses to indigent members of his constituency.
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The two houses are a three- bedroom bungalow for an indigent youth in Ikot Essien and a two-bedroom bungalow for a widow in Ikot Ibanga both in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the State.
The event which had in attendance the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the state chairman of PDP Rt. Hon (Elder) Aniekan Akpan brought political stakeholders both within and outside Essien Udim state constituency, youths and women groups together to celebrate an impactful one year in office of Hon. Prince Ukpong Akpabio.
Speaking at the event Governor Umo Eno described Prince Ukpong Akpabio as a true representative of the people who has interpreted his ARISE agenda on rural development and set a standard for other lawmakers and members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
He said it was high time political office holders relocated from Uyo, the State Capital to their villages and initiate projects that will improve the living conditions of their people.
He also described Prince Akpabio as a grassroots politician who has shown working in the implementation of ARISE agenda by building two houses for a widow and a less privileged youth, sponsoring hundreds of indigenes in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, empowering more than 300 business owners including persons with disabilities with over N100, 000 each and constructing water projects in various communities.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong represented by member for Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, Prince Ubong Attah said the Essien Udim lawmaker has performed creditably well and introduced scorecard for lawmakers.
The member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II said the houses were to complement Governor Umo Eno’s Arise Compassionate Homes Initiative and improve the living standards of his constituents.
Receiving the keys to their houses, the widow, Mrs Comfort Okon Philip, a mother of three children and Mr. Itohowo Joseph, a father of four were filled with tears of joy, describing Prince Ukpong Akpabio as God-sent, expressing gratitude to him for restoring their dignity and giving them a fresh life.
The event which featured the defection of APC and YPP members to PDP, threw the Ikot Ibanga and Ikot Essien communities into jubilation with stakeholders including the political leader of Essien Udim, Obong Michael Afangideh commending Prince Ukpong Akpabio for expanding the membership base of the ruling party by always being there for his people and responsive to their needs.
Highpoint was the Governor’s donation of N1m to the widow alongside N200,000 to the indigent youth, while the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong supported with the donation of a new motorcycle to the youth and wife of the lawmaker, Mrs Ndifreke Ukpong Akpabio donated a bag of rice and over 50 pieces of new wrappers with a box of women accessories to the beneficiaries.
