By Patrick Titus, Uyo
No fewer than 500 residents of Ukana Ikot Akpabio in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have benefited from empowerment project of Nkemsinachi and Mkposong Asuquo Endowment Foundation
The event was the 3rd Empowerment and Get-Together organized by the foundation, an initiative purely driven by the founder’s desire to uplift the people economically and socially, encourage unity and togetherness in the community.
Speaking at the event, the founder, Asuquo stressed that the foundation was founded on the twin pillars of empowerment and togetherness.
According to him, the intervention was designed to restore dignity, encourage productivity and promote self-reliance among beneficiaries, rather than promote dependency.
The event, which drew community leaders, families, youths, women and widows, featured the distribution of wrappers, motorcycles, sewing machines, cash grants, educational materials for school children, and assorted food items, including bags of rice. The programme also featured a communal feast, to encourage unity and social bonding.
Asuquo described the empowerment items as tools meant to unlock economic potential and improve livelihoods if properly utilised.
“These are not gifts meant to be consumed and forgotten; they are tools for dignity and seeds for growth,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to put the items to productive use, reminding them that sustainable development begins with individual commitment and enterprise.
“A tool unused is a treasure wasted. Treat what you have received today like a CEO guarding the future of his company,” Asuquo charged.
In a strongly worded segment of his address, the philanthropist dismissed insinuations that the Foundation’s activities were politically motivated, stating unequivocally that he has no political ambition now or in the future.
“Let me be very clear: I have no political intentions. This is a covenant of gratitude to the community, not a political calculation. If my face appears on any political poster, it is without my consent and against my will. Such actions are a distraction from service,” he declared.
Asuquo used the occasion to call on well-to-do Nigerians, particularly successful sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora, to complement government efforts by giving back to society.
He stressed that meaningful development would only be achieved through collective responsibility and sustained community-driven initiatives.
“Government cannot do it all. One foundation cannot do it all. But if every blessed Nigerian reaches back in their own way, we can lift our communities together,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a widow, Madam Maria Sunday expressed gratitude to the Foundation and its founder, praying for God’s blessings and replenishment upon him.
She noted that the intervention had renewed hope among beneficiaries and would go a long way in improving livelihoods and ensuring long-term economic stability within the community.
The empowerment programme ended on a warm note of fellowship, with beneficiaries and guests sharing a meal and renewing calls for unity, enterprise and collective responsibility.
