By Solomon OKPO
The Senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, has been conferred with an Award of Excellence by the Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA), Akwa Ibom State.
The honour was presented on Monday at his Uyo office by the President General of the association, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred, who said the recognition was in appreciation of the Senator’s “superlative strides” in the National Assembly and his impactful representation of his constituents.
Presenting the award, Pastor Alfred praised Senator Sampson for distinguishing himself through effective lawmaking, developmental initiatives, and a clear passion for service.
Responding, Senator Sampson used the occasion to brief the publishers on his upcoming mega empowerment programme scheduled for December, announcing that ₦200 million has been earmarked for students across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, especially those from less privileged backgrounds.
“The exercise is not political handpicking,” he emphasized. “It will go to deserving students who merit the assistance.”
He commended the Chairman of the screening and selection committee, Hon. Otuekong Inikot, for assuring a transparent and merit-driven process without favoritism.
The Senator further disclosed that another ₦200 million has been set aside as business grants to support economically active men and women who lack the financial means to expand their enterprises.
In addition, ₦250 million will be devoted to skill acquisition programmes aimed at equipping young people with creative skills, reducing redundancy, and helping them become employers of labour.
Senator Sampson also revealed ongoing efforts with relevant authorities to revive the defunct ALSCON for full operations to boost employment opportunities in the area.
He reported progress on key legislative initiatives, including the Bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, and another for a Medical College of Sciences, both of which are at advanced stages.
To meet new WAEC and JAMB digital exam requirements, he announced ongoing construction of fully equipped computer centres in Eket, Oron, and Okobo.
“Work is also ongoing on my medical facility in Ikot Abasi and on erosion control projects in Iquita Oro and Ekeya,” he stated, adding that he has consistently empowered his constituents since 2005. He appealed for balanced and adequate reportage from the media ahead of his December empowerment programme, which he said will cut across all segments of the district.
Reacting, Elder Patrick Albert, Chairman of the 2024 ANPA Week Planning Committee, described Senator Sampson as “a worthy ambassador” and one of the finest minds Akwa Ibom has produced in the National Assembly. He lauded the Senator’s distinguished service as a two-term Local Government Chairman and a two-term State Legislator.
“Your personality made it easier for us to pitch our award on you because you have performed creditably,” Albert said. “ANPA is very proud of you because you have balanced representation with performance.”
In his closing remarks, Pastor Osuini-Abasi Alfred thanked the Senator for granting audience to the association and for being a strong, positive voice in the National Assembly. He applauded the wide reach of the Senator’s empowerment initiatives across the senatorial district.
The high point of the event was the formal presentation of the Award of Excellence, performed by the President General and witnessed by Deputy President General Comrade Edet Ikotidem; Comrade Solomon Okpo of Evangelist Newspaper; Comrade Mbosowo Essien, Special Assistant on Media/Publicity; and Elder Patrick Albert.
