– Residents hail welfare-driven outreach as timely amid rising fuel costs
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a bid to encourage civic participation and ease economic hardship, the E’Ekpede Initiative has launched a welfare-driven outreach in Ikot Ekpene, offering motorcyclists and residents free petrol and meals, to facilitate their participation in the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The outreach, which began yesterday, saw residents enjoy free breakfast and lunch, as well as free transportation to and from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office.
Commercial motorcyclists in the area also received free fuel, a gesture that organisers say was aimed at promoting civic responsibility while cushioning the impact of high petrol prices.
Speaking at the event, the Convener of the E’Ekpede Initiative, Adede Kufre Inima Okure, said the programme reflects the group’s core vision of community empowerment and inclusive governance.
“Our goal is to ensure that the people of Ikot Ekpene are not left out in the democratic process,” Okure stated. “We believe that civic participation must go hand in hand with community welfare. That’s why we are making it easier for residents to register and have their voices heard.”
He explained that the initiative was inspired by the people-centered leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, noting that their focus on inclusion and empowerment continues to resonate across communities.
“Our outreach today is a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda, bringing leadership closer to the people,” Okure added. “We are simply translating that hope into action by helping residents overcome small barriers that often discourage voter participation.”
The free fuel distribution was carried out at several accredited filling stations, including Raphgrasons Nigeria Ltd (Uyo Road), St. Jeemes Global Ltd (Ikono Road), Kemz Energy Nigeria Ltd (Essien Road), EMSA Petroleum Ltd (Umuahia Road), Mc. Anisco (Aba Road), AP Fuel Station (opposite Ikot Ekpene Plaza), and UD Chris Fuel Station (Abak Road).
Residents who benefited from the outreach described it as a timely intervention amid persistent fuel price hikes and high transport costs.
“This is the kind of leadership we need, one that feels what the people are going through,” said Emem Iniobong, a trader who benefited from the free transport. “I was able to go and update my voter card without spending a kobo, and I’m grateful.”
Commercial motorcyclists also expressed appreciation for the gesture. “The free fuel helped us work better today,” said Etim Jones, an Okada rider. “Even with the high cost of petrol, I was able to move people to the INEC office and still make a profit.”
Organisers said the E’Ekpede Initiative plans to extend the outreach to other communities across Akwa Ibom State, with a focus on youth engagement, civic education, and welfare programmes ahead of future elections.
