President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Boxing Day presented 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative societies from riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, as part of his constituency projects.
The presentation took place at Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and beneficiaries were drawn from Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, where fishing remains their primary source of livelihood.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, thanked her husband for remembering women from the riverine communities, noting that the beneficiaries were selected from Eket Senatorial District because “the Senate President is for all, irrespective of Senatorial Districts.”
On his part, Akpabio said in his remarks that the gesture was aimed at empowering women who have consistently supported him over the years. While praising their role in sustaining his political journey and assured them of his continued commitment to their welfare, he stated, “I can never forget your love; I can never forget your prayers, I can never forget your support. We are still standing strong because you are still praying.”
He also urged the women to remain politically active and supportive of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Let me thank you in advance for the support you will give to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Today I’m making you also fishers of men. The nets will be for you to drag as much votes as possible for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in your Senatorial District,” he said.
Akpabio informed them that President Tinubu was pleased with developments in Akwa Ibom State, commending Governor Umo Eno for prioritising human capital development. “Governor Umo Eno has made us proud. He is touching lives and making sure that human capital development is a major focus of his administration. Mine is to urge you to support him,” he said.
Providing details of the empowerment programme, the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Victor Antai, who coordinated the presentation, said each boat was equipped with fishing nets, refrigerators and extra fuel tanks for powering the outboard engines.
According to him, the larger boats are fitted with double 75-horsepower engines, while the smaller ones have 40-horsepower engines.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mma Nkoyo Isong expressed appreciation to Akpabio and his wife for empowering the women economically. She said the intervention would enhance their livelihoods, describing it as “teaching us how to fish instead of giving us fish.”
Isong assured the Senate President that the women would reciprocate the gesture with continued support for him and the APC in future elections.
Only a few of the boats were displayed for symbolic presentation at the ceremony, while Akpabio read out the names of individual beneficiaries and cooperative societies selected for the programme.
