MONDAY April 21, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng
Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has presented business grants to women and widows under the Esitmbom Co-operative Society, St. Bernard Parish, Ikot Udom, Ika Local Government Area.
The grant was presented during the 2025 Easter Sunday Service in the church.
According to Ekpo, the initiative aims to empower women to engage in income-generating activities.
“This move is to help women venture into business. I know that when you empower women, they have a way of contributing to the church, as well as the society,” he said.
The Minister expressed gratitude to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umoh Eno, for promoting peace and unity in the state.
“Let me also thank my brother and governor, Pastor Umoh Eno for what he has done in Akwa Ibom State, particularly for bringing sustainable peace to the state and I can assure you that this peace will continue across the state,” he said.
Ekpo also appreciated the Governor’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a second term, predicting Governor Eno’s peaceful re-election.
“He will win his second term bid, peacefully,” he declared.
Earlier, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Ephraim Edem reflected on Easter’s essence, saying, “Those who have died and resurrected with Christ have their lives hidden in God through Christ, and every believer shall one day appear with God in glory.” He encouraged believers to “seek things that are above, where Christ is seated with the Father,” based on St. John’s Gospel 20:1-9.
The Easter Sunday Mass was also attended by the Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, His Vice, Hon. Emaedu Otuekong, Leader of Legislature, Rt. Hon. Isonguyo Eduika, Councilors, Supervisors, Special Assistants to the Governor from Ika extraction.
Ekpo also used the opportunity to interact with individuals and groups in his hometown.
