Etim Ekpo Deputy Leader Briefs Constituents, Unveils Empowerment Projects Ahead of One-Year in Office
By Bright George
The Deputy Leader of the Etim Ekpo Legislative Council and Councillor representing Ward 1, Hon. (Dr.) Lydia Thompson Akpan, has briefed her constituents ahead of her one-year anniversary in office, unveiling key achievements and rolling out empowerment initiatives.
Speaking at her Ward Briefing/Empowerment Meeting held on Friday 3rd October, 2025 at Government Primary School, Utu Nsekhe, Hon. Akpan expressed gratitude to God for the grace to serve and lauded Governor Umo Bassey Eno for creating an inclusive political environment that encourages women and youths to thrive in governance.
“Without His grace and guidance, nothing would have been achieved,” she said. “I also thank His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, a visionary leader whose inclusivity and love for women in governance gave me the opportunity to stand before you today.”
She reaffirmed her loyalty to the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, describing it as a people-centered vision that has brought governance closer to the grassroots. She also acknowledged the mentorship of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, who she described as a father, mentor, and builder of people.
Highlighting her achievements in the legislative chamber, Hon. Akpan noted her sponsorship of a disability rights bill, which has successfully scaled third reading, alongside her contributions through motions and other legislative interventions.
As part of her anniversary celebration, she announced a major empowerment program for her constituents, which included: Distribution of 300 school bags, 2,500 exercise books, pens, and pencils to pupils and students, Presentation of 150 wrappers to women and Financial support for 20 youths to boost small-scale businesses.
“To our children, the leaders of tomorrow, I want you to know that education is the key to the future. I am a proud product of education as a medical doctor, and I will always invest in it,” she said, urging the youths to remain patient and focused.
The Executive Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government, Gideon Uwa, praised the councillor for replicating Governor Eno’s people-focused leadership style.
“I want to thank His Excellency, because if he hasn’t done great, we wouldn’t be here today,” Uwa said. “He has done the road for us, he has built houses for widows without even knowing where they’re from, he has shown us the right step to follow and today we are following his footsteps. God bless our Governor.”
Uwa announced a donation of ₦500,000 to support the distribution of school bags and books to pupils in Ward 1. He further pledged ₦200,000 for women, ₦100,000 for youths, and ₦50,000 for the elderly.
Also speaking, Hon. Dr. Nsidibe Akata, Member representing Eket Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, encouraged children to value their educational materials and stay committed to their studies.
Goodwill messages came from the Former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Law Reform Commission, Rt. Hon. (Barr). Nse Ekanem, who spoke on behalf of elders, and Victor Nathaniel, who represented the youths. Both commended Governor Eno’s leadership and described Hon. Akpan’s empowerment programs as exemplary.
The event’s highpoint was the presentation of school materials, wrappers, and business support to beneficiaries, witnessed by the Council Secretary, Mr. Mmeti Umanah; Leader of Council, Hon. Uduak Lawrence; Ibesikpo Asutan Deputy Leader, Hon. Idongesit Eno; serving councillors; and other stakeholders.
