The Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, has committed ₦300 million to construct two Palm Oil production and processing mills, aimed at boosting economic empowerment for women in his constituency.
Addressing the Akwa Ibom State Arise Women Sensitisation Programme, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for fostering unity in the state.
He called for support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
“We thank our leader, the unifying governor, for making Akwa Ibom United. Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno are performing leaders, so we must support them. If President Tinubu did not give them the enablement, they wouldn’t be able to deliver as they have. If he didn’t give me support, I wouldn’t have the ability to perform as I have, so we should support the President,” the lawmaker said.
Ukpong-Udo reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth with a landmark announcement.
“Before the end of this year, I will invite the leadership led by the Deputy Governor and the coordinator of the office of the First Lady to commission another palm oil mill. To make it more sophisticated, I will donate 150 million Naira to that project,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasised his dedication to advancing women-driven enterprises, strengthening local economies, and sustaining inclusive leadership.
He said; “This is to empower the women with a source of livelihood. This is to add to the women’s cooperative because it will belong to the women, women will own it.”
Ukpong-Udo also urged the women to take full advantage of the ongoing Voters Registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Because it is the only way you are eligible to participate in this cause. To benefit from empowerment, you must have your voter’s card. Go and get your voter’s card. Go back home and mobilize everyone to get theirs,” he said.
The mills, which are set to be commissioned before the end of 2026, will be dedicated to the memory of the late former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, in recognition of her passion for women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
To further support the immediate empowerment of the constituency, the lawmaker handed over ₦21 million to both Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas for logistical support.
The event, attended by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, among other dignitaries, focused on empowering women and strengthening grassroots participation in the state’s development agenda.
Ukpong-Udo’s intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic diversification, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
The construction of palm oil mills in the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency aiming at jobs, local economies stimulation, and women empowerment engenders women ownership in the agro-processing sector, mirroring the federal government’s commitment to financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and rural industrialisation.
Ukpong-Udo’s efforts also complements the Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Programme, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the World Bank, which aims to enhance women’s economic opportunities.
Observers say his call for voter registration reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda’s emphasis on democratic participation, ensuring that women are actively engaged in governance and economic development.