Wife of the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo has presented the third tranche of empowerment packages to the women of Ika Local Government Area, in Akwa Ibom State.
The presentation which took place at the event center, Ikot Udom, Ika Local Government Area was organized at the instance of the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, as part of activities to celebrate the 65th birthday of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the 38th Anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the Minister’s commitment to the development of women at the grassroots, in line with the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, and the ARISE AGENDA of Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno.
Speaking at the event, Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo said the initiative was designed to address the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs, whom she said lack access to capital, and institutional supports. Lady Ekpo assured that the empowerment scheme was not a one-off package.
”The empowerment is not a one-time event, it is part of our broader strategy to promote economic independence, and support growth of micro businesses, especially at the grassroots level”
She also said that “the program is not only focusing on the disbursement of grants, but also on motivating the beneficiaries to adopt discipline, accountability, and growth strategy in running their businesses”
In their separate remarks, the beneficiaries, drawn from the ten wards of the local government area, commended the Gas Minister and his wife for the initiative, describing it as an impactful intervention.
”This empowerment program comes at the right time, because of the current economic situation, and we are very happy with the Honourable Minister and his wife for this impactful initiative”
The women, mainly food vendors, agro-preneurs, and petty traders acknowledged the minister’s track record in governance, public service, as well as his unwavering supports for women, especially in his home town.
Present at the event were the Executive Chairman of Ika local government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Utibe Nwoko, his vice, Hon. Emaedu Otuekong, Commissioner for women Affairs, Akwa Ibom state, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, Former House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Toby, councilors, supervisors, and others.
