IPU DALLAS EMPOWERS 30 PERSONS WITH SKILLS, STARTER KITS IN UYO
The Dallas Chapter of the Ibibio People’s Union (IPU) has empowered 30 persons in Akwa Ibom State with vocational skills and starter kits to enable them establish small businesses and earn a living.
The beneficiaries received the equipment on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Uyo at the conclusion of a six-week skills acquisition programme sponsored by the organisation.
The training, facilitated by the proprietor of La’ Mags Collectionz, Mercy Effiong, covered cosmetology, perfumery, laundry and the production of household cleaning products.
Participants were trained in the production of bathing soap, body creams and oils, perfumes, shampoos, hair creams and conditioners, liquid wash, bleach, air fresheners, fabric conditioners, hand wash and other cleaning products.
Beyond the training, the IPU Dallas Chapter provided transportation for participants throughout the programme and supplied each beneficiary with materials and equipment to begin practising and commercialising the skills acquired.
Speaking on behalf of the chapter’s President, Judy Uko-Akpabot, the Global President of IPU, Ikpafak Edet Udofia, said the initiative was designed to provide beneficiaries with practical skills and the resources needed to become economically self-reliant.
He explained that the starter kits would enable participants to put their knowledge to work, generate income and support their families.
Sharing her experience, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Promise James, said the training had already transformed her economic prospects.
She disclosed that she had produced and sold more than 100 pieces of hair cream since acquiring the skill, adding that she no longer needed to purchase soaps, creams, antiseptics and perfumes because she could now produce the items herself.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Uduak Ita, expressed appreciation to the IPU for the opportunity to acquire a skill, while praising the trainer, Mercy Effiong, for her dedication and commitment to imparting practical knowledge.
She said the training had equipped her to become a business owner and take charge of her livelihood.
Also speaking, FollowGod Patrick Nyong thanked the organisation for the empowerment, saying the programme had given participants the knowledge and confidence to produce and market their own products.
Another beneficiary, Abigail Sampson, said the skill acquired had already helped her generate income.
The trainer, Mercy Effiong, thanked the IPU Dallas Chapter for supporting the programme and providing starter kits to ensure that the beneficiaries could immediately put their training into practice.
The organisation said the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to education, skills development and economic empowerment in Akwa Ibom State.
It noted that its previous interventions included the distribution of school bags and educational materials to pupils across the state’s 16 local government areas, as well as the sponsorship of a second-year law student at the University of Uyo.
The project committee was chaired by Ikpafak Iyak Mbride and comprised Ikpafak Imeobong Bassey, Ikpafak Dr Anietie Edohoukwa, Ikpafak Veronica Asuquo and Ikpafak Eka Morgan.
