The member representing Essien Udim State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Ukpong Akpabio, has empowered 61 constituents with grants totalling ₦15.25 million to support small businesses and agricultural ventures in the area.
The empowerment, which was carried out under the first phase of the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme, is aimed at supporting small business owners and farmers within the constituency to expand their ventures and improve their economic livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, held in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Akpabio said each beneficiary received ₦250,000 to strengthen and expand existing businesses and agricultural enterprises.
He said the initiative was part of efforts to fulfil his campaign promise of improving the economic well-being of constituents through targeted empowerment programmes.
“In furtherance of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, 61 beneficiaries are receiving ₦250,000 each under the Prince Ukpong Akpabio II Business and Agric Grant Scheme to support and expand their business ventures,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the programme was designed to complement ongoing youth empowerment, educational support and human capital development initiatives of the state government.
He added that a monitoring committee had been set up to ensure beneficiaries utilise the funds effectively and invest them in productive ventures capable of generating sustainable income.
“We have constituted a monitoring committee to ensure that the funds are properly utilised in ways that will sustain and strengthen beneficiaries’ businesses,” he stated.
Akpabio disclosed that the empowerment would be implemented in phases to accommodate more residents, with a focus on promoting entrepreneurship, agricultural development and economic self-reliance.
Highlighting his legislative record, he said he had sponsored 10 bills and moved more than 20 motions within three years in office, while maintaining close engagement with constituents through regular interventions.
Chairman of the Business and Agric Grant Committee, Enobong Patrick, explained that five beneficiaries were selected from each of the 11 wards in Essien Udim, while six persons with disabilities were included under a special consideration category.
Also speaking, the State Publicity Secretary of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Paul Ibara, commended the lawmaker for what he described as people-oriented representation and impactful constituency projects, noting that the scheme had positively impacted residents and supported local economic growth.