By Uduak Akai
ABAK
Over 358 constituents in Abak State Constituency have been empowered by the speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA),Elder Udeme Otong.
The constituency briefing/empowerment programme held at QIC Primary School, Abak Itenge, in Abak Local Government Area,Thursday, July 9, 2026, witnessed the presentation of various life-changing items ranging from cars, mini buses, motorcycles, Sets of barbing tools, hairdressing tools, sewing machines, industrial sewing machines, generating sets and cash gift for small businesses among others.
In his welcome address, Elder Otong expressed his profound gratitude to God for making the day a reality, and guests for honouring his invitation.
Otong who represents Abak State Constituency explained that the gathering was not merely an event in the 8th Assembly political calendar but a solemn demonstration of accountability, transparency, gratitude and unwavering commitment to the people whose confidence and mandate have brought them thus far.
He noted that the empowerment reflects the values embodied in the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno,PhD, which seeks to uplift lives, empower citizens, create opportunities and ensure that governance directly impacts on the people.
The speaker hinted that this empowerment programme is the third with each edition witnessing remarkable growth in both scope and impact as well as expansion in the number of beneficiaries, occasioned by the peaceful atmosphere provided for legislators in the state to effectively serve their constituents.
He assured that with their continued support and cooperation greater opportunities await Abak State Constituency.
“Our vision is to ensure that every household feels the positive impact of responsive representation.”
He thanked Governor Umo Eno for all his support for the 8th Assembly which has resulted in effective representation and his unprecedented developmental interventions ranging from roads construction, Compassionate Homes, Model Primary Healthcare Center, Model Primary School among others in Abak State Constituency.
In his address, Governor Umo Eno appreciated the speaker for giving his people effective representation and giving back to impact on their lives.
Gov Eno who was represented by his deputy, Senator (Mrs) Akon Eyakenyi, acknowledged the support and cordial relationship existing between the executive and the legislative arms of government in the actualisation of the ARISE Agenda in the state.
The governor observed further that the peaceful co-existence between the two arms of government has translated into impactful representation which has directly touched the livelihood of citizenry at the grassroots.
He expressed satisfaction with the leadership of the 8th Akwa Ibom Assembly, ably led Elder Udeme Otong, saying that the most outstanding attributes of the present Assembly is co-operation, love and peace among the 26 members which has enabled them to make remarkable achievements in terms of bills passage, presentation of motions and oversight engagements.
“Because of the robust relationship between the legislature and the executive, the House under your leadership has approved people-oriented bills aimed at running an inclusive and a more prosperous Akwa Ibom State which I have variously signed into law”.
“let me also thank you for getting back to your constituents and giving back through the massive empowerment programme we are witnessing today”.
“It was the firm American Senator Al Damato who made popular the saying that a legislator must work hard to bring home the beckon, doing so represents the Hallmark of effective representation. The speaker is giving his people effective representation and today he is back home with goodies for the people”.
He advised beneficiaries to make good use of the items while urging the remaining members of the Assembly yet to empower their constituents to emulate the speaker’s example and give back to their constituents.
Earlier in his remark, the chairman on the occasion, Mr Uwem Udoma, commended Governor Eno for the peace enjoyed in Abak Local Government Area in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general.
Udoma, a former deputy House leader thanked the governor for appointing their son as chairman,TRC, Akwa Ibom State, noting that in 39 years, this is the first time Abak son is elected to chair the institution.
He appreciated members of the 8th Assembly for the support given their son, Otong, to succeed and also thanked the speaker for giving back to his constituents and not letting them down in his representation.
He charged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, while those yet to benefit to wait patiently for their turn.
Speaking on behalf of members of the 8th Assembly, the leader of the House, Mr Otobong Bob, a lawyer, appreciated everyone for supporting the speaker to succeed in his empowerment programme.
Bob, who represents member Nsit Ubium State Constituency, noted members of the 8th Assembly were proud of Otong’s leadership style and the peace enjoyed in the Assembly under his leadership.
He maintained that the speaker had earlier empowered his constituents not once or twice and will continue to give back to them to reciprocate the confidence they reposed on him.
The House leader who described Pastor Umo Eno as a legislative friendly-governor, appreciated his support to the Assembly and the cordial working relationship between the legislature and the executive which has yielded positive impact on the state and the citizens.
He advised beneficiaries of the empowerment items not to sell them but rather to use them to better themselves not only today but for the future.
Goodwill messages were received from the commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah, on behalf of Abak stakeholders, APC state chairman, Obong Stephen NtukEkpo, on behalf of the party, the Amazing Grace Campaign DG, Apostle Ekerette Inyang, the paramount ruler of Abak and chairman, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers’ Council (TRC), Akuku Sylvester Udofia, Mrs Ekemini Umoh, spoke on behalf of the women, while Mr Nathaniel Sam, spoke for Abak youths. They all appreciated the lawmaker for giving back to his constituents with a firm promise to support him, President Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr Clement Jimbo, come 2027 general elections.
High point of the event was the symbolic presentation of some of the empowerment items to the beneficiaries by the governor’s representative.
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