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| Eteng Jones Williams, Senator Representing Cross River Central Senatorial District |
By Ukorebi Esien
Abuja, Nigeria – June 13, 2025 – As the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria marks its second anniversary, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, representing Cross River Central Senatorial District, has unveiled an impressive mid-term performance report, showcasing his strides in legislative duties, infrastructure development, human capital empowerment, and constituency outreach.
In a comprehensive account released on the anniversary of the Senate's inauguration, Senator Williams, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), highlighted key achievements that underscore his reputation as a results-driven lawmaker.
LEGISLATIVE IMPACT: BILLS AND MOTIONS
Senator Williams has sponsored several bills, including the Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ugep to ease access to tertiary healthcare. Another major bill, the Chartered Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, currently awaiting its third reading, seeks to professionalize and regulate the petroleum and gas engineering sector.
Other bills at the first reading stage include the Nuclear Safety Security and Safeguard Bill, 2023 and an amendment to the Mineral and Mining Act.
On the floor of the Senate, Senator Williams has moved several motions of national importance, including those addressing communal violence, illegal oil exploitation, technical education revitalization, support for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and reforms to Nigeria's counterpart funding policy.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: LIGHT, WATER & ROADS
Through his "Project Light Up Central" initiative, Senator Williams has installed hundreds of solar-powered streetlights in communities across the six local government areas of his senatorial district, enhancing security and local commerce.
He has also completed nine solar-powered boreholes in water-stressed communities including Ediba (Abi), Assiga (Yakurr), Ababene (Obubra), and Boje (Boki), improving access to clean water.
In terms of road infrastructure, several key projects are ongoing, such as the 2km Mkpani Ring Road and the Lebang–Lokpoi Road. Senator Williams also facilitated the construction of the critical Ebom–Ndibe Bridge, linking Cross River and Ebonyi States.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
With over ₦159 million disbursed in grants, vocational training support, and start-up tools, the senator's empowerment programs have benefitted more than 2,500 constituents. These include economic grants, agro-support packages, anti-human trafficking workshops, poultry empowerment programs, and federal relief grants.
Youth and women across the 66 wards of Cross River Central have also been trained under the MEDA/Bank of Industry SME development program.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND EDUCATION SUPPORT
Twelve constituents are currently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad under fully funded scholarships facilitated by Senator Williams, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
In-country, 60 law school students have received financial aid, while 50 postgraduate students in Nigerian universities are also beneficiaries of full tuition scholarships.
The Senator has donated educational materials to over 50 public schools and is nearing completion of a 3-classroom block in Aduma Primary School, Mkpani.
HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
Over 10,000 people benefited from a six-day free medical outreach program organized across all six LGAs. The outreach recorded 235 free surgeries and the deworming of 1,028 children. Plans are underway to enroll 1,200 constituents into the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme.
Additionally, Senator Williams made surprise hospital visits during Easter, settling bills for patients in critical conditions.
JOB PLACEMENT AND FEDERAL APPOINTMENTS
In two years, Senator Williams has facilitated federal jobs and political appointments for dozens of constituents. Agencies involved include NUPRC, NNPCL, NASC, and FAAN, with beneficiaries deployed across the civil service, military, and paramilitary sectors.
SPORTS AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Demonstrating his support for grassroots sports, Senator Williams sponsored the Sweet Prince Otu Cup, involving over 40 secondary schools, and the Yakurr Unity Cup 2024, engaging all 13 council wards in Yakurr LGA.
Community interventions include the construction of six modern toilet facilities at the Ikom Police Division and a ₦10 million donation to Ekpache-Nkome community for development purposes.
Senator Eteng Jonah Williams' mid-term report reflects a deliberate, inclusive, and impactful approach to governance, with tangible benefits reaching all corners of Cross River Central. As the 10th Senate enters its third year, the senator has pledged to continue prioritizing people-centered policies and constituency development.
#Ends
Ukorebi Esien is a journalist and development advocate reporting from Abuja.
Read the comprehensive report here
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