NDDC Rep. Nkono Hails Minister Ekpo as FG Empowers 3,000 Akwa Ibom Women with N300m Grant, Gas Cylinders
The Akwa Ibom State Representative on the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, has commended the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for the launch of the Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development Initiative in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday.
Addressing journalists shortly after the event, Apostle Nkono described the programme as a timely intervention that would directly impact the lives of thousands of women and youths across the state.
The NDDC Board Member noted that the initiative, which includes the distribution of 27,000 gas cylinders to rural women and cash empowerment of 3,000 women with N100,000 each, translating to N300 million in direct support, is a practical implementation of the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas Programme.’
He asserted that the gesture would not only reduce dependence on firewood and other harmful cooking fuels but also empower women to become active participants in the state’s economy.
Apostle Nkono noted that the Uyo event came on the heels of a similar one held in Bayelsa State in July and described it as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to accelerate the transition from firewood, charcoal, and kerosene to LPG, which he described as a cleaner and more efficient cooking option.
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Apostle Nkono further commended the Minister for his consistency in delivering people-oriented projects in Akwa Ibom State, recalling that the empowerment launch was just one of several interventions that have positively impacted the state.
He noted that the Minister had earlier performed the groundbreaking of the 10 million standard cubic feet per day compressed natural gas (CNG) project in Esit Eket Local Government Area.
He also mentioned the Minister’s support for the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority’s proposed Ammonia and Fertilizer production facility in Ikot Abasi, which is projected to generate 500 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs upon completion, as well as his interventions in the healthcare sector.
The NDDC Rep, while calling on the beneficiaries to utilise the resources offered to them, reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote development and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta region.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of gas cylinders and cash grants to the first batch of beneficiaries, mostly women drawn from the 31 local government areas of the state.
Many of the recipients expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Federal Government for the gesture.
The event, which was held at Ibom Hall, drew dignitaries including Governor Umo Eno; Dr. Mrs. Ekaette-Unoma Akpabio, wife of the President of the Senate; federal and state government officials, the traditional institution, and private citizens.
