Senate President Akpabio Empowers Riverine Women with Fishing Boats to Boost Livelihoods in Akwa Ibom

In a powerful demonstration of community-centered leadership and inclusive development, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, has empowered women in the riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State by donating fully equipped fishing boats. The historic intervention took place on Boxing Day at Senator Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and forms part of his ongoing constituency empowerment programme.

The empowerment initiative saw 10 outboard engine fishing boats presented to women and cooperative groups drawn from riverine communities where fishing remains the primary source of economic livelihood. Each boat was fitted with essential equipment, including fishing nets, refrigerators for fish preservation, fuel tanks, and robust engines — with larger boats fitted with twin 75-horsepower engines and smaller units equipped with 40-horsepower engines — designed to enhance productivity and safety on the waterways.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Senator Akpabio underscored the importance of equipping citizens with tools that allow them to earn a sustainable living rather than providing one-off handouts. He thanked the women for their steadfast support and acknowledged the vital role they play in the economic and social fabric of Akwa Ibom State.

“I can never forget your prayers, your love, and your support. Today, I am empowering you not just to catch fish, but to build stronger, self-reliant livelihoods for your families and communities,” Senator Akpabio said.

Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, also expressed appreciation for the outreach, highlighting that the programme reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that define life in riverine communities. Her remarks reflected the belief that economic upliftment must be sustainable and rooted in access to modern tools and opportunities.

Beneficiaries of the programme described the initiative as transformative, noting that access to modern fishing boats and equipment would expand their capacity, improve economic stability, and strengthen their contributions to local food security and community prosperity. One representative stated that the intervention would enable them to “fish with dignity and grow our operations for lasting benefit.”

This strategic empowerment aligns with Senator Akpabio’s broader vision of uplifting grassroots communities and reinforcing the economic foundation of local industries. By facilitating access to productive assets, the initiative not only improves household incomes but also fosters economic independence, community resilience, and sustainable growth in the riverine coastal belt of Akwa Ibom State.In a powerful demonstration of community-centered leadership and inclusive development, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, has empowered women in the riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State by donating fully equipped fishing boats. The historic intervention took place on Boxing Day at Senator Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, and forms part of his ongoing constituency empowerment programme.

The empowerment initiative saw 10 outboard engine fishing boats presented to women and cooperative groups drawn from riverine communities where fishing remains the primary source of economic livelihood. Each boat was fitted with essential equipment, including fishing nets, refrigerators for fish preservation, fuel tanks, and robust engines — with larger boats fitted with twin 75-horsepower engines and smaller units equipped with 40-horsepower engines — designed to enhance productivity and safety on the waterways.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Senator Akpabio underscored the importance of equipping citizens with tools that allow them to earn a sustainable living rather than providing one-off handouts. He thanked the women for their steadfast support and acknowledged the vital role they play in the economic and social fabric of Akwa Ibom State.

“I can never forget your prayers, your love, and your support. Today, I am empowering you not just to catch fish, but to build stronger, self-reliant livelihoods for your families and communities,” Senator Akpabio said.

Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President, also expressed appreciation for the outreach, highlighting that the programme reflects a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that define life in riverine communities. Her remarks reflected the belief that economic upliftment must be sustainable and rooted in access to modern tools and opportunities. The Eagle Online

Beneficiaries of the programme described the initiative as transformative, noting that access to modern fishing boats and equipment would expand their capacity, improve economic stability, and strengthen their contributions to local food security and community prosperity. One representative stated that the intervention would enable them to “fish with dignity and grow our operations for lasting benefit.”

This strategic empowerment aligns with Senator Akpabio’s broader vision of uplifting grassroots communities and reinforcing the economic foundation of local industries. By facilitating access to productive assets, the initiative not only improves household incomes but also fosters economic independence, community resilience, and sustainable growth in the riverine coastal belt of Akwa Ibom State.

The fishing boat empowerment project stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful, targeted interventions can generate broad-based impact — strengthening livelihoods, deepening community trust, and affirming a lasting commitment to people-centered development.

The fishing boat empowerment project stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful, targeted interventions can generate broad-based impact — strengthening livelihoods, deepening community trust, and affirming a lasting commitment to people-centered development.

Watch video here – https://youtu.be/Sa4PKWy_JmA?si=IBmQ7jT21DRXnXr6