Senator Ekpenyong Disburses ₦30 Million Grants for Grassroots Empowerment Initiatives
By Ekanem Asuquo
In a bold move aimed at fostering inclusive development and reducing economic hardship at the grassroots level, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., representing Cross River South Senatorial District, has disbursed ₦300 million in empowerment grants to constituents.
The initiative, flagged off at a well-attended ceremony in Calabar, saw 300 beneficiaries drawn from all seven local government areas of the senatorial district.
The grant scheme targeted small-scale entrepreneurs, women, youths, farmers, and artisans, with the goal of supporting micro-business growth, boosting local productivity, and enhancing livelihoods.
The disbursement was implemented through Iwari Global Service, a project management firm engaged to transparently screen and verify the beneficiaries across the senatorial zone.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ekpenyong Jr. emphasized that the intervention aligns with his campaign promise to prioritize economic empowerment and human capital development.
He noted that strategic investment at the grassroots is essential to bridging economic gaps and fostering self-reliance.
“Our people are industrious, they only need a little push. This ₦300 million is not just a grant, it’s a seed for hope, growth, and long-term prosperity in our communities,” the senator stated.
He also revealed that the disbursement is only one phase of a broader empowerment framework that will include skill acquisition training, access to agricultural inputs, and startup support for young innovators in tandem with the people's first mantra of Governor Bassey Otu
Beneficiaries who spoke expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, with many describing it as a rare show of commitment to the welfare of the ordinary citizen.
Mrs. Ekaette Otu, a petty trader from Akpabuyo, said the grant would allow her to expand her business and provide better for her family. “I feel seen and supported. This is the first time someone in government is giving directly to people like me,” she said.
The event was attended by political leaders, community-based organizations, and youth groups who commended the senator for his people-centered leadership style.
Since assuming office as Senator representing Cross River South, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. has consistently prioritized people-oriented policies with a focus on youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and community development.
His legislative agenda has featured motions on rural infrastructure, educational advancement,digital innovation hubs, and support for small businesses.
The ₦300 million grant disbursement, managed and facilitated by Iwari Global Service, marks a key milestone in his constituency development strategy. The firm was tasked with identifying, screening, and validating the final list of 300 beneficiaries across the seven local government areas to ensure fairness and transparency.
This initiative builds on previous outreach programmes led by the senator, including scholarship schemes, health missions, and entrepreneurial training drives.
According to aides, Senator Ekpenyong intends to institutionalize the empowerment scheme through a structured revolving support fund to ensure continued access to capital for qualified constituents to compliment state government initiative aimed at promoting self reliant.
