Prince Ukpong Akpabio: Essien Udim lawmaker floats N3m Agric Cooperative for Ukana West Ward 2
Better days are ahead for the people of Essien Udim State Constituency as the member representing the area in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Prince Ukpong Akpabio has launched a N3m Agricultural Cooperative Society for Ukana West Ward Two with to boost farmers’ productivity and ensure food security.
Prince Ukpong Akpabio announced this at Akwa Ibom PDP statewide meeting in his country home, Ukana West Ward Two, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
He explained that the move was in fulfilment of his campaign promise and in recognition of the agricultural potential of Essien Udim as a major producer of palm oil, cassava and rubber to support Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda for rural development.
The Essien Udim representative announced the constitution of a 4-member committee to pilot the affairs of the cooperative society with a community leader, Apostle Gregory Edo as Chairman; Mrs Caroline Etiuwem Umoren, Secretary, while Hon. Paul Ekanem and Elder Emmanuel Ekanem are members.
He expressed confidence that the cooperative society will help in addressing the rising demand for food security and boosting farmers’ productivity, promising to extend the gesture to the remaining wards in Essien Udim.
Prince Ukpong Akpabio, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Rules, Ethics, Business and Privileges, charged the Committee to select two persons including a woman from each village as members and ensure that their tenure rotates for others to benefit.
The lawmaker hinted of his plans to give his report card of his first anniversary in the House of Assembly coming up in June this year.
Chairman of the Cooperative Society, Apostle
Gregory Edo who described Prince Ukpong Akpabio as an asset to the people, expressed gratitude to him for his vision and demonstrating strong political will to improve the living standards of his constituency.
In his opening remarks, Hon. David Ime, the Ward Chairman, lauded Governor Umo Eno for the magnificent infrastructural projects sited in Essien Udim and praised his leadership style for promoting unity and harmony within the party.
The Ward Leader, Hon. Aniekan Akpan expressed confidence in Prince Ukpong Akpabio’s leadership and acknowledged the appointments of Comrade Abraham Akpadiaha as Personal Assistant to the governor and Mrs. Doris Usen who was appointed member of the Essien Udim LGA Transition Committee.
The meeting highlighted Prince Ukpong Akpabio’s commitment to supporting farmers in the community through the establishment of an Agricultural Cooperative Society.
Notable elders and stakeholders present at the meeting included Lady Iniobong Otong, Comrade Raymond Ekpe, Apst Gregory Edo, Hon Nsidebe Ntuen, Hon. Aniekan Akpan, a former Councillor; Elder Etiuwem Umoren, Hon Sunday Obot, Emmanuel Ekanem, Uduak Jacob, Emmanuel Emmanson, Elder Affiong Godwin Isonguyo, Godwin lbanga, Hon Paul Ekanem, and Happiness James Akpan, among others.
Highlight of the meeting was the formal reception of more than 100 individuals who switched their allegiance to the PDP under the leadership of Mr. Damian Cornelius, the former Ward chairman of the Labour Party and his EXCO members, effectively ending the influence of opposition parties in Ukana West Ward 2.
Rt. Hon Nse Ntuen, a former House of Assembly member, extended his congratulations to the new members and urged existing PDP members to embrace them and treat them equally, granting them the same rights and privileges within the party.
