The member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), concluded the activities marking the first year of his second term in office on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The week-long event highlighted Ukpong-Udo’s dedication to community development through a series of project commissionings, constituency visits and empowerment initiatives. The grand finale took place at Government Primary School, Ikot Odu Ndiya, in the Ikono Local Government Area.
The day began with an interdenominational thanksgiving service, during which Rep. Ukpong-Udo read the first Bible passage. Bishop Akpan Inua of the Methodist Church Nigeria delivered a sermon, describing the lawmaker’s re-election as divinely ordained. The service included praises, worship, intercessory prayers, choir renditions, and heartfelt thanksgiving. Obong (Barr.) Edet Inyangidim, Director-General of the Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, led the thanksgiving, reflecting on the faithfulness of God throughout the election period that resulted in a triumphant victory during the election, supplementary, and subsequent rerun on February 3, 2024.
Following the service was the constituency briefing and the grand empowerment ceremony. Addressing the large crowd, Rep. Ukpong-Udo reflected on his challenging electoral journey to a second term in office, expressing gratitude to God and his supporters for his victory. He pledged continued efforts to improve the lives of his constituents and reassured those not yet included in the empowerment program to remain patient, as future ceremonies are planned to encompass all.
During the event, substantial business grants and various empowerment items worth hundreds of millions of Naira were distributed. The chairman of the occasion, retired Air Vice Marshal Sampson Akpasa, praised the gesture as “unprecedented and worthy of emulation.” Highlights of the disbursement included:
- Business support grants to 500 constituents, ranging from N300,000 to N5,000,000.
- Distribution of 35 vehicles to constituents.
- 150 motorbikes
- 20 minibuses
- 5 tricycles.
- 25 generating sets and 26 refrigerators.
- N100,000,000 in cash empowerment was distributed to 5000 constituents.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries who offered a multitude of goodwill messages. Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by his Political Adviser, Akparawa Godwin Ntukude, commended Rep. Ukpong-Udo for his generosity and urged him to continue his commendable work.
Hon. Mark Esset, the member. Representing Uyo Federal Constituency, and other dignitaries also extended their accolades, affirming the lawmaker’s dedication to humanity. Edidem Udo Ette Edon, Paramount Ruler of Ini LGA, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, Representative of Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and Bishop Blessing Amakiri, National Chairman of the Young Progressives Party, lauded the lawmaker’s commitment to serving the people and his focus on poverty alleviation.
The celebration of Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo’s first year in office not only highlighted his accomplishments in just one year of his second term but also set a precedent for future engagements, solidifying his reputation as a servant-leader deeply invested in the well-being of his constituents.
