The President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, has empowered women in riverine communities of Akwa Ibom State through the donation of fully equipped fishing boats, in a move aimed at strengthening livelihoods and supporting local economic activity. The 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 targeted at grassroots development.
The empowerment initiative involved the presentation of 10 outboard engine fishing boats to women and cooperative groups drawn from riverine communities across the state, where fishing remains the primary source of income and food supply. The boats were distributed to beneficiaries selected from coastal and riverine areas known for fishing activities, with the aim of boosting productivity and improving safety on the waterways.
Each fishing boat was fully equipped with essential tools required for modern fishing operations. These included fishing nets, refrigerators for fish preservation, fuel tanks, and durable engines designed to withstand regular use on open waters. Larger boats were fitted with twin 75-horsepower engines, while smaller boats were equipped with 40-horsepower engines, ensuring that the equipment matched the specific needs and operating conditions of different fishing communities.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Senator Akpabio stressed that meaningful empowerment must focus on providing tools that enable people to earn sustainable incomes rather than offering short-term financial assistance. He noted that fishing communities play a crucial role in food production and local commerce, and that supporting women in these areas would have a direct impact on household welfare and community stability.
“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. He added that the empowerment programme was designed to help beneficiaries expand their businesses, reduce operational risks, and improve earnings over time.
The Senate President also acknowledged the long-standing contributions of women in the riverine economy, describing them as central to fish processing, preservation, and distribution. According to him, investing in women-led fishing activities would strengthen local food supply chains and promote economic resilience across coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, also addressed the gathering and expressed appreciation for the outreach. She said the programme demonstrated a clear understanding of the realities of life in riverine areas, where access to modern tools often determines income levels and long-term economic security. Her remarks emphasized that empowerment initiatives must be practical, inclusive, and tailored to the specific challenges faced by beneficiaries.
She noted that providing modern fishing equipment would not only ease the physical burden of fishing work but also improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. According to her, access to refrigerators and better storage facilities would help women preserve their catch for longer periods, secure better prices, and reduce waste associated with traditional methods.
Beneficiaries of the programme described the initiative as timely and transformative, stating that access to modern fishing boats and equipment would significantly expand their capacity to operate. They explained that many women previously relied on rented or outdated boats, which limited the distance they could travel and exposed them to safety risks on the water.
One representative of the beneficiaries said the support would allow them to operate with greater confidence and dignity. She noted that the boats and equipment would help them increase daily catch volumes, stabilize income, and improve their ability to support their families. According to her, the intervention would enable them to “fish with dignity and grow our operations for lasting benefit.”
The empowerment programme aligns with Senator Akpabio’s broader vision of uplifting grassroots communities and strengthening local industries through access to productive assets. By focusing on fishing, a key economic activity in Akwa Ibom’s riverine belt, the initiative targets a sector with strong links to food security, employment, and rural development.
Observers noted that the intervention goes beyond individual support by reinforcing cooperative structures and community-based economic activity. With improved tools and shared resources, beneficiaries are expected to contribute more effectively to local markets and community prosperity, while building resilience against economic shocks common in coastal areas.
The initiative has been described as a practical example of community-centered leadership that prioritizes sustainability, economic independence, and inclusive development in Akwa Ibom State.
