The Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, PhD, on Thursday, 27th February 2026, attended the Akwa Ibom State Arise Women Sensitisation Programme held at the Ikono Local Government Council Hall. He was accompanied by his wife, Kuseme Ukpong-Udo.
The event, which had the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, among other dignitaries in attendance, focused on empowering women and strengthening grassroots participation in the state’s development agenda.
In his address, Rep. Ukpong-Udo reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth. In a landmark announcement, he pledged ₦300 million for the construction of two Palm Oil Production and Processing Mills in Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas. The mills, to be commissioned before the end of 2026, are dedicated to the memory of the late former First Lady, Mrs Patience Umo Eno, in recognition of her passion for women’s empowerment and economic inclusion.
To further support the programme’s implementation at the grassroots, the lawmaker also handed over ₦21 million to both Ikono and Ini LGAs for logistics support. His intervention was widely applauded as a major boost to women-led agro-enterprises, rural industrialization and sustainable community development. Rep. Ukpong-Udo reaffirmed his commitment to advancing women-driven enterprise, strengthening local economies, and sustaining the legacy of compassionate and inclusive leadership.
