Lawmaker Unveils ₦300m Plan to Boost Women’s Economic Power

THE Member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, has announced a ₦300 million commitment to establish two palm oil production and processing mills aimed at empowering women in his constituency.

The announcement was made during the Akwa Ibom State Arise Women Sensitisation Programme, where the lawmaker described the initiative as a strategic intervention to strengthen women-led enterprises and stimulate rural economic growth.

Women to Own and Operate Mills

Ukpong-Udo disclosed that one of the mills will receive a direct ₦150 million donation to ensure it is fully equipped with modern processing facilities. He added that the projects, expected to be commissioned before the end of 2026, will belong to women’s cooperatives in the area.

“This is to empower the women with a source of livelihood. It will belong to the women; women will own it,” he said.

The mills will be dedicated to the memory of the late former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, in recognition of her advocacy for women’s economic inclusion.

Political Support and Unity

During his address, Ukpong-Udo expressed appreciation to Umo Eno for promoting unity in the state. He also called for sustained support for Bola Tinubu and Godswill Akpabio, attributing developmental strides to collaborative leadership at federal and state levels.

“If President Tinubu did not give the enablement, they wouldn’t be able to deliver as they have,” he stated.

Additional Support and Voter Mobilisation

Beyond the mill projects, the lawmaker handed over ₦21 million to both Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas to support logistics and grassroots empowerment efforts.

He also urged women to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that civic participation is key to benefiting from empowerment initiatives.

The event drew dignitaries including Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki, among others.

Observers say the intervention aligns with federal initiatives promoting economic diversification, financial inclusion and rural industrialisation.