EKONG SAMPSON EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME STIRS IKPA IKONO – GOV UDOM, OTOBONG NDEM GET VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
Enhancement of the lives of over 30 youths, women and students of Ikpa Ikono clan in Mkpat Enin L.G.A. through the latest slot of the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme (ESEP) has been described as pacesetting and essence of true leadership.
Member representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Hon. (Engr.) Otobong Ndem made the assertion during the Inauguration and Empowerment Programme of Ikpa Ikono Progressive Association (IIPA) at Ikpa Ikono Clan Centre, aka Asan Iffe, Mkpat Enin L.G.A.
The occasion, powered by the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme, drew reputable personalities of Mkpat Enin origin, including the Paramount Ruler of Mkpat Enin, HRM Edidem Akpan Akpan Ekpene, Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Eno Ibanga, SSA on Power, Engr. Meyen Etukudo, transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin, party chieftains, among others.
The Honourable House member who was Chairman at the occasion described Ekong Sampson as a worthy leader of Mkpat Enin politics, pointing him as the reason why Ikpa Ikono is seen as the most united clan in Mkpat Enin. He said for Ikpa Ikono and Mkpat Enin to recognize and appreciate Ekong Sampson as a leader they are bound to progress.
Hon. Otobong charged beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to see donations made to them as seeds that must be nurtured into great business empires. According to him, the gesture portrayed the PDP spirit and will be sustained, declaring that a similar gesture will soon be replicated at the L.G.A. level in Mkpat Enin.
Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson who is also the Grand Patron of IIPA charged members of the inaugurated executive to be willing to sacrifice for the general good of the people. Describing ESEP as his platform of showing sacrifice and commitment to enhancing the lives of people, he urged the Ikpa Ikono Progressive Association to take a cue from there.
“Don’t hold an office only for the benefits that accrue there to, leave a trail in your community”, Ekong Sampson stressed.
He affirmed that such gesture is what the PDP stands for and that, he said, is evident in Governor Udom Emmanuel’s government in the State. He described the Governor as people oriented and extolled his honest intensions to better the lives of Akwa Ibom people and Mkpat Enin in particular.
Barrister Sampson said Ikpa Ikono and the entire Mkpat Enin interest has been well protected by the Udom Emmanuel led Government in the State, enumerating the various gains to include location of the coconut industry, power sub-station, award of contract for major road construction in the area, appointments and so on. He particularly commended the Governor for appointing an Ikpa Ikono son, Aniefiok Smith into the State Secondary Education Board.
Highpoint of the occasion was issuing out of cheques of various amounts, scholarship awards, various business equipments, with power generating sets, and nominations for training in various trades to youths, women and students of Ikpa Ikono origin by Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson, courtesy ESEP.
Transition Chairman of Mkpat Enin, Lady Ekaette Usip, as represented, immediate past PDP Chapter Chairman, CEO of Ediesco Aluminum, Mr. Albert Akpan, Hon. Nkereuwem Akai and Rt. Hon. Ntiaobong Udofe in their goodwill messages, extolled Ekong Sampson as the Onomkpoinam indeed, by whose empowerment trail across Mkpat Enin and beyond overtime, has turned many boys to real men. The unanimously declared that “where goes Ekong Sampson there goes Ikpa Ikono.
This was followed by a vote of confidence on Governor Udom Emmanuel and Hon. (Engr.) Otobong Ndem and declaration of 100% support for the duo to repeat office come 2019, following a motione moved and seconded by Comrade Ubong Ekpo and woman leader, Mrs. Gloria Akpan Francis.
