Riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State have received a significant economic boost as Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio distributed fishing boats and equipment to hundreds of women engaged in artisanal fishing. The initiative, aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding income‑earning opportunities, was welcomed by beneficiaries who described the support as transformative for their families and local economies.
The distribution event, attended by community leaders, local officials and women’s groups, saw the presentation of outboard motors, boats and safety gear to empower women fish processors and traders who depend on aquatic resources for their livelihoods. Akpabio said the gesture is part of his broader commitment to inclusive economic empowerment, ensuring that underserved riverine communities benefit from tangible support that aligns with their traditional occupations.
Women who received the boats expressed gratitude and optimism, noting that the equipment will reduce their dependence on rented canoes, cut operational costs and increase productivity during fishing expeditions. State and local leaders also highlighted the multiplier effects of such interventions, which support food security and enhance grassroots participation in economic activities across the coastal belt.
