The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof Eno Ibanga, has empowered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Chairman for Ukpum Minya Ward two, Mr. Monday Harrison Afia, with a brand new motorcycle.
Prof Ibanga, also used the occasion to support ten entrepreneurs from Mkpat Enin with two hundred thousand naira each to boost their small-scale businesses.
The works Commissioner and Political Leader of Mkpat Enin, in the company of his wife, Dr. Ebi Eno Ibanga, said he donated to the ward Chairman the motorcycle in response to the request he made to him recently.
Addressing the lucky entrepreneurs, Prof Ibanga who is a month old in the office said he will not stop to empower the youth as this is a way to fight against social vices and poverty in the society.
He said he strongly believes in the fact that when we are blessed we are to bless others, hence, “when we empower young people, we will better our society,” he added.
Ibanga while noting that young people must not remain on the ground forever, he said for the past ten years, even before he got into politics, he had already began supporting young people through his scholarship scheme of about one hundred students annually.
“The eighth set has just graduated. This one is for young entrepreneurs. I will also support enterprising female youths soon,” he said, “I urge you to make good use of this grant.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Uduak Udo Etukudoh from Ikot Umiang in Ikpa Ikono Ward III, while expressing gratitude for the gesture said that he was yet to recover from this surprise empowerment.
According to him, “This kindness I only hear of its happening in other Local Governments but today I am happy to be a beneficiary. Thank you sir. I will always stand by you.”
Similarly, the Chairman of Etinan LGA Hon. Cletus Ekpo, has empowered Etinan indigenes with 12 sewing machines, 12 laptops, 12 generating sets, 12 hair clippers, and four(4) motorcycles.
The gesture which was described as the wind of empowerment blowing recently in the state took place on Friday during the Etinan Youth Summit.