The president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has distributed items worth billions of naira through an empowerment programme targeted at his constituents in the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
The event, held amidst celebrations, saw beneficiaries receiving a wide range of items, including sports utility vehicles, cars, buses, tricycle pick-ups, farm tricycles, vulcanising machines, knapsack sprayers, makeup kits, deep freezers, generators, grinding machines, motorcycles, computers, and mini hand tractors. In addition, business grants were disbursed to enhance entrepreneurial activities.
In a statement issued to newsmen yesterday in Abuja by the special assistant on media/communication to the Senate President, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio highlighted the inclusion of traditional rulers in the programme. Each of the 10 paramount rulers in the senatorial district received a sports utility vehicle, while over 500 students were awarded scholarships and bursaries to support their education.
At the event, Senator Akpabio expressed his commitment to improving the economic and social welfare of his constituents.
He described the initiative as a gesture of gratitude for their overwhelming support for him and President Bola Tinubu during the last general elections.
“This empowerment programme is aimed at boosting economic activities, improving livelihoods, and enhancing the well-being of our people. It is also a token of my appreciation for your unwavering support during the elections,” he stated.
The senate president commended his constituents for delivering over 119,000 of the 160,000 votes cast for President Tinubu in Akwa Ibom State.
He also praised the president’s initiatives, including the creation of development commissions, which he described as a catalyst for grassroots development.
“We are focused on ensuring that development reaches the grassroots through regional empowerment programmes. The 10th National Assembly firmly believes in fostering equitable growth,” he added.
He called on the people of the South-South and South-East regions to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, acknowledging the president’s commitment to the regions’ development.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were senators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives.
The Senate minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, commended Akpabio’s leadership at the 10th National Assembly, describing him as a unifying figure who has garnered support across party lines.
The minister of petroleum resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, lauded Akpabio’s representation of the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, emphasising that his achievements have earned him the people’s trust and support for a continued tenure in the Senate.
