SENATOR EKONG SAMPSON RAINS 100 MILLION NAIRA ON AKWA IBOM SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT STUDENTS TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.....EARNS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FROM STAKEHOLDERS OVER QUALITY REPRESENTATION

 

By Edet OKPO 

Driven by his unwavering commitment to place education as one of the major focal points of his quality representation in the red chamber of the National Assembly; his huge investment in the sector and his sustained efforts in boosting human capital development, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals and Senator representing Akwa Ibom South ( Eket) Senatorial District in the National Assembly ( Senate), Senator Ekong Sampson, on Monday, December 1, 2025, disbursed the sum of (100, 000, 000), One Hundred Million Naira to about 500 Students and Teachers drawn from the 12 local government areas of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District, with each beneficiary collecting not less than #200,000 ( Two Hundred Thousand Naira) Only. 

In a well attended ceremony which took place at the Senator's Constituency Office in Eket, stakeholders at the event who described the gesture by the senator as symbolic, first in the history of representation in the Senatorial District and a clear demonstration of Senator Ekong Sampson's deep interest and passion for quality education .

Speaking at the event, Senator Ekong Sampson said he will continue to remain resolute and consistent in prioritizing quality education as evident in the content and context of bills and motions.

Attributing his successes in his profession, business and politics to education, Senator Ekong Sampson stated that though he will soon release other empowerment packages such as cars, mini buses, keke, motorcycles, outboard engines and accessories, sewing machines, business grants, he prioritises Education which he described as a weapon to combat ignorance, poverty, superstition and other forms of social vices in the society.

The Senator, while emphasising that there could be no better legacy nor greater Milestones than advancing flanks of education, noted that the grants will enable the benefiting students to meet their urgent financial needs, promote quality education and lesson financial burdens on various families.

The Senator described the ₦100 million grants to students as a significant initiative, aimed at supporting and strengthening the education and economic development trajectory of Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District. The grants are part of the Ekong Sampson Empowerment Program (ESEP), which has been providing educational support, entrepreneurial grants, and vocational training to his constituents since he assumed office as the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District.

He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the scheme.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion and former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC), Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, saluted the ingenuity of Senator Ekong Sampson in doling out a whopping 100 Million Naira to Students and described the Senator as the pride of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District.

  Giving reasons while stakeholders of the Senatorial District are satisfied with Senator Ekong Sampson's purposeful, result- oriented representation and robust legislative engagements, the former NDDC Boss, hinted that Senator Ekong Sampson has not been found wanting in the trinity mandate of lawmaking, oversight and representation.

The Commissioner for Education, Akwa Ibom State, Prof Ubong Essien appluaded Senator Ekong Sampson for investing hugely in the education of his constituents through the 100 Million Naira grants to students and Teachers, boosting school infrastructure and facilities which form part of the education component of the Arise Agenda of Governor Umo Eno led administration.

A seasoned politician from the Senatorial District, Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, thanked Senator Ekong for providing quality representation, boosting manpower development, prioritising education and attracting positive dividends of democracy his Senatorial District. He described him as a true disciple of the quality representation principles of Senator Udoma Udoudoma and late Senator Victor Akan who attracted Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) to Ikot Abasi local government area.

In their Separate remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Technology, Ikot Abasi, Prof Leo Daniel, Paramount Ruler of Onna Local government area, His Royal Majesty, Edidem Raymond Inyang, Prof. Etiebet Akpan, Chairman of Mkpat Enin local government area, Engr . Emmanuel John, Chapter Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Mkpat Enin, Hon. Utitofon Jeremiah, Director General, Senator Ekong Sampson's Campaign Organisation, Sir. Michael Essang, Secretary of the Empowerment Planning Committee, Engr. Dr. Ben Edesenting, were unanimous in commending Senator Ekong Sampson's huge investment in the education of his Constituents.

Earlier in his tone Setting, the Chairman, Senator Ekong Sampson Empowerment Programme (ESEP), Barr. Ini Ikott , disclosed that the 100 Million Naira reflects Senator Ekong Sampson's vision for education advancement in the Senatorial District.

Barr. Ikott maintained that the grants has been added to the Senator's list of empowerment interventions, development initiatives and advocacy efforts ranging from training programmes, job placement and strategic infrastructure.

Speaking Onbehalf of the beneficiaries,  

Miss Torobong Obot, 50O Level Medicine and Surgery Student from the university of Uyo, Mfonobong 

Simeon Nichodemus Mbikan, Petroleum Engineering Student from the university of Uyo, Inemeawaji George Ntile, English Education Student from the University of Uyo, Mfonobong Joseph, Hospitality and Tourism Students from the University of Calabar and Teacher Christopher Ukpong, all expressed gratitude to Senator Ekong Sampson for alleviating their academic burdens and contributing to their academic development through the payment of 100 Million Naira grants.

They promised to make prudent and judicious use of the grants and also take their Studies seriously.