By Julius Nsikak
One hundred women across the 11 wards in Ini Local Government Area have received financial support and business grants of fifty thousand naira each from the wife of the member representing Ini State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Deaconess Esther Udoide.
The laudable gesture took place over the weekend at the Ini State Constituency office, Odoro Ikpe, in Ini LGA.
Addressing the gathering, Deaconess Udoide expressed gratitude to God for making the event possible and for the prevailing peace in the area. According to her, “This day was in God’s calendar to put smiles on the faces of women through this initiative.”
She appreciated the women for their turnout and continuous support for her husband, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, noting that it was their votes that elevated him to the House of Assembly. She also commended them for their support during the 2023 elections for Governor Umo Eno and urged them to remain steadfast, diligent, and loyal.
The lawmaker’s wife lauded Governor Umo Eno for providing an enabling environment for development in the state and praised the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, pledging support for his continued leadership. She equally acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning the nation’s economy, noting that his policies have positively impacted the people of Ini Local Government.
She also appreciated her husband, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, for his support and for being a God-fearing and respectful representative of his family, community, state, and the nation.
Speaking on the purpose of the initiative, Mrs Udoide explained that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effects of the current economic quagmire on women. She described it as the first phase of a broader empowerment scheme, assuring that more benefits were in the pipeline to uplift the lives of the people of Ini.
“Let us come together in love and unity to support Governor Umo Eno till 2031, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Hon. Lawrence Udoide,” she urged, while also commending Hon. Iniebehe Umah, Chairman of Ini Local Government Council, for his exemplary leadership and delivery of democratic dividends at the grassroots.
Beyond politics, Mrs Udoide encouraged women to maintain prayerful lives, shun jealousy and hatred, and promote togetherness, love, and peace. She further appealed to the government to respond to the cries of Ini constituents by improving road infrastructure in the area.
In her goodwill message, Obongawan Elizabeth Solomon, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed delight at witnessing the memorable event. She commended the legislator’s wife for her generosity towards women, describing the grants as a timely boost for start-ups and existing businesses. She prayed for divine strength for Mrs Udoide and peace in Ini, Akwa Ibom, and Nigeria, urging women to make wise voting decisions that would bring development to their communities.
Also speaking, the Chapter Women Leaders of the APC and PDP, Mrs Comfort Christopher and Ms Imaobong Peter respectively, along with the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Dr Eme Esiere, thanked Hon. Udoide for supporting his wife’s initiative and for his quality representation. They applauded Mrs Udoide for empowering women to achieve financial independence and economic relevance. Also speaking, Obongawan Alice Udoette urged women to renew and safeguard their voter cards, stressing that every vote counts.
In her vote of thanks, Obongawan Flora Ogbonnaya, Leader of Ini Women Traditional Rulers and Ward 1 Women’s Coordinator, lauded the Udoides for their benevolence towards women in this period of economic difficulty. She assured that Ini women would continue to support President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and Hon. Udoide in future elections.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Emem Jumbo expressed profound gratitude to Mrs Udoide for lifting their financial burdens and prayed for continued blessings upon her family.
Deaconess Udoide was joined at the event by several women stakeholders, community leaders, and party officials.
