Rismadarvoice- 8th November 2025
The joy of a young street hawker in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital, Christopher Ime Asuquo, knew no bounds, when fortune smiled on him in the most unexpected way.
The 23-year-old, who hawks plantain chips across the streets of Uyo, was received with warmth and admiration by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, at his office in Uyo.
Christopher, fondly called “Mr. Phenomenal Chips,” had caught the attention of the lawmaker after a social media influencer and Happy Hour Ambassador, Edidiong Richard, shared a short video of him passionately marketing his plantain chips with infectious confidence and creativity.
The clip, which quickly gained traction online, showcased the young man’s determination to create a brand for himself, rather than depend on handouts, a quality that resonated deeply with Prince Akpabio.
In a brief but inspiring interaction, Prince Akpabio II commended the young entrepreneur’s ingenuity and self-reliance, describing Mr. Phenomenal Chips as “a brand that must be protected and nurtured.”
The lawmaker said he was deeply impressed that a youth of Christopher’s age chose enterprise over idleness, embodying the spirit of the ARISE Agenda of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, which emphasizes entrepreneurship, self-reliance and youth development.
“What this young man has done is exactly what Governor Umo Eno preaches, the dignity of labour, creative enterprise and self-development. He has chosen to build a brand for himself rather than beg. That is the mindset we must celebrate and support. We have a duty to help this boy and many like him. He dresses very neat and decent. His story proves that talent and determination still exist in our society. With a little push, he can go far — and we must be that push.” Prince Akpabio said.
As part of his gesture of encouragement, the lawmaker promised to purchase the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) form for Christopher, to help him actualize his dream of studying Law at the University of Uyo.
He also provided financial support to boost the young man’s business and patronized his chips on the spot, buying off his entire tray of plantain chips.
“You will go places, if you remain focused. Do not be distracted. The future belongs to young people like you who are willing to work hard.” Akpabio advised.
Prince Akpabio also used the occasion to commend Edidiong Richard, whose platform and content creation inspired this positive connection and lauded him for using his influence and social capital to promote meaningful content, showcase local talents, and align with the developmental vision of the Umo Eno-led administration.
However, he cautioned against the misuse of social media by some content creators, warning against vulgarity, indecency, and moral decadence often portrayed online.
“Social media should be a tool for building lives, not destroying values. We must stop portraying women as sex objects or promoting promiscuity and same-sex relationships that go against our laws and cultural values. There are several ways to create impactful content, through education, culture, innovation and positive storytelling, just as Edidiong has done.” The lawmaker emphasized.
He further pledged to partner Edidiong Richard and other young creatives who are committed to promoting positive values, saying such collaboration could inspire more youths to embrace productive ventures and use social media for the good of society.
For Christopher Ime Asuquo, the visit was nothing short of life-changing. The young man, who hails from Etinan Local Government Area and is the fifth of nine children, narrated how his journey began after leaving home to serve a woman selling plantain chips in Uyo.
For seven years, he worked diligently, learning the ropes of the trade until he decided to start his own brand: Mr. Phenomenal Chips.
“After serving my boss for seven years, I told her I wanted to start my own business. She gave me her blessings, and since then, I have been growing. I just wanted to work hard, be independent, and one day, go back to school to study Law.” Christopher said, his face glowing with gratitude.
He could hardly contain his joy that someone as influential as Prince Akpabio not only noticed his efforts but also supported him tangibly.
“I left home this morning with a full tray of plantain chips, and now I’m going back with an empty tray, but a full heart. To think that a man like Prince Akpabio I used to hear on radio could eat and enjoy my chips, buy everything, and support me financially is the biggest encouragement I’ve ever received. He said.
Christopher also thanked Edidiong Richard, whom he described as a “destiny helper,” for promoting him selflessly and connecting him to opportunities he never imagined.
