Dare Babalola
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Boxing Day, has gifted 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative groups in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District as part of his constituency projects, on Boxing Day.
The presentation took place at his country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by his media team.
The beneficiaries were drawn from riverine communities of the state, where fishing is the major source of livelihood.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Akpabio, thanked her husband for remembering women from the riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State.
She explained that the beneficiaries were selected from the Eket Senatorial District, noting that Akpabio, as Senate President, represents all Nigerians, irrespective of their senatorial districts.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended the women for their continued support, saying he decided to empower them because of the strong backing he has always received from women in the state.
He said, “I can never forget your love; I can never forget your prayers; I can never forget your support. We are still standing strong because you are still praying.
“Let me thank you in advance for the support you will give to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Today I’m making you also fishers of men. The nets will be for you to drag as many votes as possible for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in your Senatorial District.
“The President is very happy with Akwa Ibom State. Governor Umo Eno has made us proud. He is touching lives and making sure that human capital development is a major focus of his administration. Mine is to urge you to support him,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Victor Antai, who coordinated the presentation, said each boat was equipped with fishing nets, a refrigerator and extra fuel tanks for the engines.
He added that the larger boats have double 75-horsepower engines, while the smaller ones are fitted with 40-horsepower engines.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mma Nkoyo Isong thanked Akpabio and his wife for empowering the women to improve their livelihoods.
She said the gesture would be reciprocated with continued support for the Senate President and his party in future elections.
Only a few of the boats were brought out for symbolic presentation, while Akpabio read out the names of individual beneficiaries and cooperative societies selected for the project.
