Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, rolled out an extensive empowerment programme for his constituents in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, distributing sports utility vehicles to 10 paramount rulers and scholarships and bursaries to over 500 students.
A statement by Anietie Ekong, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, revealed that the initiative was aimed at boosting economic activities, improving livelihoods, and enhancing the well-being of beneficiaries.
The event, which took place in Abuja, also served as an appreciation gesture from Akpabio to his constituents for their support during the last elections.
Akpabio acknowledged the massive support for President Bola Tinubu from his district, highlighting that over 119,000 of the 160,000 votes for the president in Akwa Ibom came from his constituency.
He expressed his gratitude to the people for their overwhelming endorsement and emphasized that the empowerment programme was a direct response to their unwavering support.
He further praised President Tinubu for the creation of regional development commissions, which he believes will accelerate grassroots development across the country.
Akpabio noted, “We decided to create regional developmental nexus for the president to use in sending empowerment to most regions in Nigeria.
The 10th National Assembly believes strongly that development should go to the grassroots.”
The Senate President urged the people of the South-South and South-East regions to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration, commending the president’s dedication to the development of both regions.
He added, “One of the best decisions the president made for the South-South region was his support, together with the party, the APC, for this region to once again produce the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senators, political figures, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and representatives from various groups, all of whom showed their support for Akpabio’s leadership.
Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, praised Akpabio’s pragmatic leadership at the 10th National Assembly, noting that he had garnered support from Senators across party lines.
Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, also spoke at the event, highlighting that Akpabio had justified the trust placed in him by the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, assuring that they would continue to support him for effective representation in the Senate.