MARTHA EMMANUEL EMPOWERS ORUK ANAM WOMEN

A cross section of women and youths from Ibesit community in Oruk Anam LGA have benefited from the empowerment programme of Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Path-Initiative (FEYReP), a pet project of the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel.

The empowerment programme which was in partnership with Ibesit Development Association, had the beneficiaries smiled home with various items ranging from hair dressing equipment, sewing machines/fashion designing, to generating sets and motorbikes.

In her remarks at the event, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel said FEYReP as an organization is passionate about harnessing the talents of Akwa Ibom youths.

Represented by the Coordinator of FEYReP, Mrs. Ime Inyang, the governor's wife noted that the empowerment became necessary so as to give the youths of the area a lifeline, saying "Our partnership with Ibesit Development Association is an indication that the Dakkada philosophy of the Governor in building a virile society is bearing great dividends."

She further stated that FEYReP has within one year empowered thousands through multi-faceted skills acquisition programmes and has also presented thousands with starter packs for businesses.

While commending the leadership of Ibesit Development Association for standing in the gap of reducing poverty especially when the social responsibilities of community associations have waned, Mrs. Emmanuel charged the beneficiaries to nurture the seeds received through hard work, dedication and faith in God.

In his address, the chairman of Ibesit Development Association, Surveyor Godwin Udongwo who said the empowerment programme began in 2013, noted that it was to continue in the tradition of their forefathers as self-help developers.  

He thanked FEYReP for the partnership and solicited for more support especially in agricultural projects, stressing the community is ready to make lands available. He added that the membership of the association is open to all developed-minded and philanthropic individuals and group. 

Also, the guest of the occasion and the immediate past commissioner for works, Akparawa Ephriam Inyang while speaking, thanked the group for partnering with FEYReP to add value to the lives of youths off the area.

Akparawa Inyang who supported the event with cash donations, charged the beneficiaries to make ample use of the items received. He as well called for more support for the government of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, HRM, Apostle Christopher Ntanta in his remarks appreciated the partnership of the duo saying it has provided succor to the vulnerable.

In appreciation, Mr. Essien Silas who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked FEYReP and Ibesit Development Association for their lofty programmes and prayed God to grant them the grace to do more in the future.