INI WOMEN GET LIFT AS LAWMAKER’S WIFE UNVEILS ₦5 MILLION BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT…100 beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 each to boost small-scale enterprises By Asuquo Edem

 

In a move aimed at empowering rural women and strengthening household economies, the wife of the member representing Ini State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Deaconess Esther Lawrence Udoide, has launched a ₦5 million Business Support Grant for women in Ini Local Government Area.

At the official launch held at Odoro Ikpe, the council headquarters, about 100 women drawn from various support groups across Ini received ₦50,000 each to support their small-scale businesses.

Deaconess Udoide, a member of the Legislative Wives Association (LEWA), Akwa Ibom branch, said the gesture was part of her effort to add value to the lives of grassroots women and encourage self-reliance through entrepreneurship.

She commended the women for their consistent support for her husband and other political leaders, urging them to mobilize more women—particularly those 18 years and above—to take advantage of the ongoing INEC voter registration to prepare for full participation in the 2027 general elections.

Expressing gratitude to her husband for being a source of strength and encouragement, Mrs. Udoide reiterated the unflinching support of Ini women for Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, affirming that their leadership had brought peace and inclusivity to governance.

She also lauded Governor Eno’s “politics of inclusivity,” which she said had fostered unity and progress in the state, and urged women to emulate the governor’s approach in their businesses and community engagements.

“This is only the beginning,” she said. “More women from Ini will benefit in subsequent phases of the empowerment programme. I encourage everyone to remain steadfast and continue supporting our leaders who mean well for our people.”

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Elizabeth Ibanga, APC Senatorial Women Leader; Mrs. Comfort Christopher, Ini APC Women Leader; and Mrs. Imaobong Peter, PDP Women Leader, commended the initiative, describing it as a practical step toward women’s economic empowerment.

They also applauded Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Akpabio, and President Tinubu for their leadership styles, which they said had restored peace and stability across the state and nation. The women leaders jointly appealed to the government to improve infrastructure in Ini, describing the area as the food basket of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Obongawan Flora Ogbonaya expressed appreciation to Deaconess Udoide for “always remembering Ini women,” praying for God’s blessings on the lawmaker and his wife.

The event ended on a celebratory note as the women sang, danced, and shared a meal in gratitude for the financial support that promises to boost their businesses and improve their livelihoods.