By Deborah Ekanem
The member representing Ini Local Government Area in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, has donated over ₦100 million in business‑startup packs, work tools and financial support to enhance the socio‑economic wellbeing of his constituents.
The empowerment programme, which took place on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at the Ini Local Government Secretariat, featured the distribution of three mini‑buses, three tricycles, 13 sewing machines, four refrigerators, five generating sets, and other items including four grinding machines, ten hair‑dryers, four mowers and three hair‑washers.
The event also witnessed donations of business‑ and Students’ support grants ranging from ₦1,000,000, ₦5,000,000, ₦200,000, ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively to individuals and groups.
In addition to Hon. Udoide’s empowerment items, his better half, Mrs. Esther Lawrence Udoide, also donated 650 wrappers of material to women across the 11 wards of the local government area, noting that the gesture was in the spirit of the yuletide season.
Speaking, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umoh Eno, stressed that the basis of democracy is empowerment and the development of citizens, the gesture, according to the Chief State Executive, was being demonstrated by Hon. Udoide.
Governor Eno, represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpeyong, further praised the existing synergy between the executive and legislative arms and commended the Ini lawmaker for maintaining a peaceful relationship with his constituents , which he said has played a role in the stability of the state.
Rt. Hon.Ekpeyong, while applauding Governor Eno for his love for the people of Ini Local Government Area, disclosed that about 19 aides within the area have been appointed into his cabinet and pledged support for President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the state governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, beyond 2026.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, scored Hon. Udoide high on the three cardinal roles of law‑making, representation and oversight expected from legislators, and described him as a vibrant and reliable legislator who has contributed immensely to the success of the 8th Assembly.
In his address, Hon. Lawrence Udoide said the empowerment programme was in fulfilment of his vow of good representation and giving back to the people.
“Subsequent to the victory, I made a vow in my letter of appreciation titled ‘When ‘Thank You’ Is Not Enough,’ published in tabloids, that I will not be a leader who finds pleasure in turning back without seeing those who laboured for the success of his cause,” He said.
Hon. Udoide, 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 to0 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 Ini LG, maintaining that only a united people can walk the path of meaningful development.
The Ini legislator appreciated the Governor of the State for his exceptional leadership style and also thanked 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 on the occasion, Rt. Hon. Frank Archibong, expressed delight at Udoide’s gesture, noting that he has moved from the realm of promise to fulfilment.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ini Local Government Area, Hon. Inibehe Umah, assured that all political leaders in the area would continue to work together for the progress and development of Ini Local Government .
Good‑will messages were received from the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong‑Udo; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor; former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet; APC Chapter Chairman, Ini LG, Mr. Ezekiel Akpan; Special Assistant to Governor Umoh Eno on Youth Matters, Hon. Charles Udofia; among others.