By Deborah Ekanem
The member representing Onna Local Government Area in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Sunday Johnny , has donated business‑startup packs, work tools and financial support worth millions of Naira to enhance the socio‑economic wellbeing of his constituents.
The empowerment programme, which took place on Monday, April 6, 2026 at the Onna Local Government Secretariat, featured the distribution of 7 vehicles, 5 shuttle buses, 5 tricycles, 30 male motorcycles, 12 female motorcycles, 42 sewing machines, 42 haircut accessories, 42 standing hair dryer.
Other empowerment items included;
42 hair washing basins, 15 grinding machines, 15 vulcanising machines, 35 generators, 10 heavy duty generating set.
The event also witnessed donations of Educational grants to 100 beneficiaries, business grant to 100 beneficiaries, and business grants to 20 physically challenged persons among other grants.
Speaking, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umoh Eno, stressed that the basis of democracy is empowerment and the development of citizens, as was being demonstrated by Hon. Johnny.
Governor Eno represented by the Chairman, Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Uwemedimo Udo while commending Hon. Johnny described the gesture as a demonstration of purposeful leadership and service to the people.
” Let me congratulate Hon. Johnny on this milestone achievement, today is symbolic in the sense that he has empowered over 500 people in his constituency,
I want to believe that the people of Onna will reciprocate this gesture by supporting his reelection in 2027. He noted.
Also speaking, the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel who was represented by Barr. Iwat Umoren thanked the people of Onna for the existing peace in the area, urging them to maintain the template for continued development.
Mr. Emmanuel who saluted Hon. Johnny’s gesture charged the beneficiaries on judicious use of the empowerment items, tasking them for continued support for leaders who are committed to the welfare of the citizens.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, flanked by members of the 8th Assembly scored Hon. Johnny high on the three cardinal roles of law‑making, representation and oversight expected from legislators, and described him as an asset to the people of Onna, and a vibrant legislator who has contributed immensely to the success of the 8th Assembly.
He described the empowerment programme as the result of the existing synergy between the Executive and the legislative arms of government and the benevolence of Governor Eno
In his address, the Minority leader and member representing Onna State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Johnny said the empowerment programme was a demonstration of purposeful representation in giving back to the people.
He noted that the initiative aimed at empowering his constituents towards self reliance for sustainable growth.
” What brings us together today is not just an event, it is a statement of intent, a declaration that we have chosen a higher path of leadership , one that does not merely respond to needs, but anticipates them,
‘ one that does not settle for temporary relief , but insists on lasting solutions,
for too long , interventions have come and gone like passing rains felt in the moment , but we have resolved to change that pattern, building a model where every opportunity must lead to independence, and every investment must outlive the present moment ” Hon. Johnny stated.
The lawmaker while assuring constituents of continued commitments to impactful representation said he has sponsored four bills and 8 motions, facilitated employment for 30 constituents, provided educational and business grants amongst other key infrastructural and human- capital development.
Hon. Johnny, while enjoining the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment items to better their lives and those of their households, urged those who were yet to be captured in the first phase to be patient, assuring that the empowerment will come in batches and will reach every member of his constituency. He sued for continuous peace and unity in Onna LG, maintaining that only a united people can walk the path of meaningful development.
The Onna legislator appreciated the Governor of the State for his exceptional leadership style and also thanked the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the opportunity to serve.
He extended his appreciation to the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and members of the 8th Assembly for their supports.
On his part, the Chairman onna Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren expressed delight at Johnny’s gesture, and expressed confidence of his continued commitments to good representation.
He further assured that all political leaders in the area would continue to work together for the progress and development of Onna Local Government .
Good‑will messages were received from stakeholders, community leaders describing the empowerment as unprecedented.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Samuel Akpan, Emem Effiong, Lady Mfon Uko, Bassey Akpan appreciated the lawmaker for the gesture and pledged to use the empowerment items to enhance their lives.