Henshaw NYONG, Uyo
As the country faces economic turbulence due to skyrocketing fuel prices and inflation, many are feeling the pinch of hardship.
However, despite these challenges, the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (PhD), popularly known as Macaire, remains undeterred in his commitment to uplifting his people.
In what many political commentators on various Akwa Ibom WhatsApp groups have described as a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, the lawmaker has continued his weekly empowerment programme, which has become a lifeline for many constituents.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, Macaire once again fulfilled his promise to his people by presenting business grants of N2.5 million to two beneficiaries, Mr. Justice Tony Umoh and Mr. Victor Ekanem. The presentation was made on behalf of the lawmaker by his Legislative Aide, Engr. Donald Bassey.
TheHILL gathered that the duo have joined the ranks of thousands who have become millionaires under the Macaire Enterprise Development Scheme (MEDS), an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and boosting economic self-reliance in Ikono/Ini.
Speaking to our paper, a former aide to the lawmaker, who was placed in the Federal Civil Service through Macaire’s influence, disclosed that the weekly empowerment scheme has been running uninterrupted since the lawmaker assumed office five years ago. He described Macaire as the most empowerment-focused legislator in the history of Akwa Ibom State.
“Every week, he disburses life-changing sums to his constituents, and today, we have more millionaires in Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency who have not only transformed their families’ fortunes but also invested these funds to boost our local economy like never before,” the aide proudly remarked.
Another constituent, Emmanuel Asuquo from Itak, opined that Macaire has changed the narrative of representation in the area by showing exceptional dedication to their well-being, to the envy of others in the state.
He reasoned that this and more has earned the lawmaker widespread admiration across party lines.
TheHILL can authoritatively report that members of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom, including the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, have lauded the efforts of the parliamentarian. This was evident when the Governor, represented by his Adviser on Political Matters, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, attended a historic empowerment event of Dr. Ukpong-Udo in June this year, which saw the distribution of business grants ranging from N300,000 to N5 million to 500 constituents.
The mega empowerment programme also saw the distribution of 35 vehicles, 150 motorbikes, 20 minibuses, 5 tricycles, 25 generators, 26 refrigerators, and a whopping N100 million in cash empowerment to 5,000 constituents.
