One hundred and fifty-four constituents of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have received livelihood support through an empowerment programme featuring vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, business equipment and other items aimed at helping beneficiaries establish or expand small businesses.
The intervention, unveiled by the Majority Leader of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, on Friday at the Nsit Ubium Local Government Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, formed part of his constituency briefing, during which he accounted for his legislative activities and representation.
The package included eight salon cars, 11 minibuses, 20 tricycles, 45 motorcycles, 40 generating sets, 30 knapsack sprayers, 30 grinding machines, 11 grass-cutting machines and 30 vulcanising machines. Other items were 15 deep freezers, 12 laptop computers, six stand-and-weld machines, six electric sewing machines, complete barbing kits and cash prizes.
The variety of equipment covered different income-generating activities, including transportation, vehicle maintenance, tailoring, food processing, agriculture, refrigeration, information technology and personal grooming. The potential economic impact, however, will depend on how effectively beneficiaries deploy the items to generate sustainable income.
Governor Umo Eno, who attended the event, commended Bob for his legislative contributions and grassroots interventions, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to development in Nsit Ubium and other parts of the state.
Eno also announced a proposed allocation of ₦1 million to each ward, although details of the funding arrangement were not provided in the statement announcing the initiative.
The governor used the occasion to declare his intention to seek a second term in 2027 and expressed support for Bob’s bid for a third term in the State House of Assembly.
“Otobong will go for a third term, and I will go for a second term. We are developing Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, and we will continue to do so. Let us support Otobong Bob, because things will get better,” Eno said.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, described Bob as a productive legislator, citing his contributions through bills, motions and other legislative responsibilities, alongside constituency empowerment initiatives.
Otong said the interventions being organised by members of the Assembly complemented the state government’s ARISE Agenda by extending development support to communities and providing residents with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
“What members are doing is complementing the Governor’s ARISE Agenda by touching lives at the grassroots,” the Speaker said, adding that about 18 lawmakers had conducted their constituency briefings and empowerment programmes, with others expected to follow.
He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items provided, stressing that the interventions were intended to improve their economic circumstances and contribute to the development of their communities.
In his remarks, Bob said the constituency briefing provided an opportunity to account for his stewardship and explain how he had exercised the mandate entrusted to him by the people of Nsit Ubium.
“This is an opportunity for me to tell the people of Nsit Ubium what I have been doing with the mandate they entrusted to me at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate practical representation,” he said.
The lawmaker thanked Eno for his support to the legislature and pledged the support of his constituents for the governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, also commended the Assembly Majority Leader, citing his legislative activities, including motions moved and bills sponsored, as evidence of his contributions to the House.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion, Obong Umana Okon Umana, praised Bob’s legislative record and commended the governor for providing an environment he said enabled lawmakers to perform their duties and deliver constituency interventions.
Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. Alfred Charles, said the empowerment programme complemented the state government’s development initiatives and would provide beneficiaries with opportunities to become economically productive.
The long-term value of the intervention will ultimately depend on whether the equipment translates into viable businesses, improved household incomes and employment opportunities. Follow-up support, business guidance and access to markets could help beneficiaries turn the items received into sustainable sources of livelihood.
