By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

THE Lawmaker representing Essien Udim state constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II has built and donated Houses to two indigent families in his constituency, as part of activities marking his one year in office.

The beneficiaries of the 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom bungalows were Mrs Comfort Okon Philip, a widow of Ikot Ibanga community and Mr. Itohowo Joseph of Ikot Essien community respectively.

Inaugurating the Houses yesterday, the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno who was represented by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Aniekan Akpan described Prince Ukpong Akpabio as a true representative of the people.

Eno hailed the Lawmaker for interpreting his ARISE agenda on Rural development and for setting a standard for other lawmakers in the state, stressing that political office holders should initiate projects that improves the living conditions of their people at the grassroots.

  “I commend Prince Ukpong Akpabio, for your commitment towards improving the lives of your people. You are a true representative of the people, touching their lives in  line with our agenda on rural development..

  ” Let me thank you for building houses for the less privileged, sponsoring hundreds of indigenes in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, empowering more than 300 business owners including persons with disabilities with over N100, 000 each and constructing water projects in various communities”,  the governor said

In his brief remarks, the State Lawmaker, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II said the houses were built to complement the Governor’s ARISE Compassionate Homes Initiative and to improve the living standards of the less privileged people in his constituency..

In their separate responses the  widow, and mother of three, Mrs Comfort Okon Philip,  and the father of four Mr. Itohowo Joseph could not hide their tears of joy, while receiving keys to their house.

They expressed gratitude to Prince Akpabio, for restoring their dignity and changing their situation, describing him as “a God-sent”