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By Uwem Offon, Uyo
The member representing Ikot Abasi/Mkpo Enin/Eastern Obollo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Uduak Odudoh, has been commended for his impactful show of grassroots connection and empowerment.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, made the commendation during Odudoh’s ₦505.74 million empowerment initiative on Friday, in Ikot Abasi council headquarters.
The project directly benefited 564 constituents of Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo Federal Constituency.
Governor Uno, represented by his special adviser on Political Affairs and Social Re-Orientation, Barr. Kufre Udosen, praised Hon Odudoh’s dedication to human capacity development and his medical outreach programmes, which he said have saved several lives.
He said the Ikot Abasi lawmaker’s empowerment initiatives have deeply endeared him to the state administration and the people.
“When I walked in here and saw the mammoth crowd, I thought the President was here. This shows acceptability by the people.”
In his message, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Reps member, Hon Baraje Kure, urged the constituents to remain steadfast in their support for Odudoh, assuring them that “more goodies will come to the federal constituency.”
The event featured the distribution of income-generating assets, business and educational grants, valued at ₦505.74 million.
Items distributed include cars, minibuses, motorcycles, sewing machines, barbing kits with generators, makeup boxes, cargo tricycles, fishing nets and accessories, outboard engines, deep freezers, lawn mowers, vulcanizing machines, hair dryers with basins,
Highlighting the scale of the support, Odudoh said that 100 persons were empowered with ₦1 million each, 64 with ₦500,000 each, and 100 students received ₦100,000 each – a total of ₦142 million in direct cash support.
In his address to beneficiaries, Odudoh, flanked by his wife Sarah Ofudoh, urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the resources given and reinforced his long-term commitment to empowerment.
“I will continue to empower my people in line with Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. I am here today to give my scorecard having served in the House of Representatives for two years.
“Permit me therefore to say this, in the last 26 years that democracy came back to Nigeria, no senator in the House of Representatives had ever facilitated a project to my clan, a clan of 3 wards with about 20units. And today I stand here having made a promise two years ago to fulfill that promise.
“It will interest you to know that I have moved 9 motions, led 4 petitions, in addition to that about 50 pieces of solar lights have arrived for Eastern Obolo, at least two projects have been cut across all clans in Mkpat Enin.
“100 persons will today be going back home with 1 million naira each, 64 people will go back home with 500 thousand naira each, 100 students will go back with 100 thousand naira each making a total of cash support 142 million naira
“I want to assure you that the next two years will be better than this. I will continue to do my best for the benefit of my people”, Odudoh added.
The event drew commendation from across political and community lines. Barr. Uwem Ekanem, who chaired the event, praised Odudoh’s legislative achievements and emphasized his remarkable consistency in delivering projects across all three local government areas.
Also, Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Imeh Williamson Essien, described Odudoh as a man with a giving heart, saying “giving is in his DNA,” and pledged his continued support.
On his part, Chairman of the State Assets Management Board, Hon. Elder Udo Sam Umoatan, encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the support received.
Former Mkpat Enin Chairman, Lady Ekaette Usip, declared that “the constituency has never had it this good,” while constituent Edidiong Wilson lauded Odudoh for his grassroots reach and responsiveness.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Emem Alex expressed heartfelt appreciation to the lawmaker.
