Yuletide: Akpabio Distributes Fishing Boats to Akwa Ibom Women

As part of his constituency projects, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Boxing Day presented 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative societies from Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. The presentation took place at his country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The beneficiaries, comprising women and cooperative groups from riverine communities across the state where fishing is the primary means of livelihood, received the boats to boost their economic activities.
Speaking at the event, the wife of the Senate President, Dr (Mrs) Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, expressed gratitude to her husband for remembering women from the riverine areas of Akwa Ibom State. She explained that although the beneficiaries were drawn from Eket Senatorial District, her husband serves as Senate President for all Nigerians, regardless of senatorial boundaries.
In his address, Akpabio praised the beneficiaries for their consistent support, noting that women in Akwa Ibom State had always stood by him. He said the empowerment initiative was aimed at strengthening their fishing businesses.
Addressing the women, 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 am also making you fishers of men. The nets will be for you to gather 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 ensuring that human capital development remains a major priority of his administration. I urge you to continue to support him,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Victor Antai, who coordinated the distribution, explained that each boat was equipped with fishing nets, a refrigerator, and extra fuel tanks to power the outboard 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 Senator Akpabio and his wife for empowering the women to earn a sustainable living rather than offering short-term assistance. She assured that the women would reciprocate the gesture with continued support for the Senate President and his party in the forthcoming general elections.
Only a few of the boats were displayed for the symbolic presentation, while Akpabio read out the names of individual beneficiaries and cooperative societies selected for the programme.