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Ukorebi Esien | December 30, 2025
USUMOTONG - A grassroots politician in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mr. Ukene Samuel, has rolled out a January survival support initiative aimed at cushioning the effects of the post-Christmas economic hardship on women, the elderly and youths in Usumutong/Abeugo Council Ward.
The outreach, carried out during the Christmas season, covered Enoidom Polling Unit and Enoishori Polling Unit, where food items and other essential materials were distributed to vulnerable members of the community to help them cope with the difficult January period and prepare for the coming farming season.
Speaking during the exercise, Ukene Samuel described the gesture as a deliberate grassroots responsibility, stressing that meaningful political engagement must begin with the welfare of the people.
According to him, the outreach was structured to touch women, youths and the aged, while men were supported through the payment of school fees for their children, ensuring that education does not suffer due to economic challenges.
Ukene disclosed that 50 secondary school students benefited from school fee support, while 20 students had their WAEC examination fees paid quietly, without publicity, as part of his commitment to human capital development.
He further revealed plans to extend the intervention beyond January, noting that February and March will focus on additional assistance, including farming inputs such as fertilizers and farm tools, to boost agricultural productivity in the communities.
The initiative received wide commendation from community members, who offered prayers for Okene Samuel, the state, and the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whom they praised for his leadership.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ekuma Eteng, a spokesperson at one of the polling units, lauded the intervention, describing it as timely and people-oriented, while women groups and youths expressed appreciation for being remembered during a challenging period.
In recognition of his sustained support for education, Mrs. Philomena Ovai Etta announced that Ukene Samuel has been honoured by the National Association of Usumutong Students (NAUS) and the National Association of Bahumono Students, acknowledging his continuous contributions to the growth of education and student development in the area.
Although not a political appointee, Ukene Samuel reaffirmed his belief in the current administration, calling on grassroots actors to align with the governor's vision and strengthen community-level engagement.
The January survival support initiative has further positioned Ukene Samuel as a rising grassroots mobiliser with a strong focus on welfare, education and sustainable community development in Abi LGA.
USUMOTONG - A grassroots politician in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Mr. Ukene Samuel, has rolled out a January survival support initiative aimed at cushioning the effects of the post-Christmas economic hardship on women, the elderly and youths in Usumutong/Abeugo Council Ward.
The outreach, carried out during the Christmas season, covered Enoidom Polling Unit and Enoishori Polling Unit, where food items and other essential materials were distributed to vulnerable members of the community to help them cope with the difficult January period and prepare for the coming farming season.
Speaking during the exercise, Ukene Samuel described the gesture as a deliberate grassroots responsibility, stressing that meaningful political engagement must begin with the welfare of the people.
"January is always difficult. If the people are hungry, they cannot listen to instructions. A hungry man cannot reason well. So we must give them food to eat, listen to their plights and stand with them, so that when the time comes, they will stand firm," he said.
According to him, the outreach was structured to touch women, youths and the aged, while men were supported through the payment of school fees for their children, ensuring that education does not suffer due to economic challenges.
Ukene disclosed that 50 secondary school students benefited from school fee support, while 20 students had their WAEC examination fees paid quietly, without publicity, as part of his commitment to human capital development.
"Education is key. I did not make noise about it because I want the people to understand that someone is thinking about them and their future," he added.
He further revealed plans to extend the intervention beyond January, noting that February and March will focus on additional assistance, including farming inputs such as fertilizers and farm tools, to boost agricultural productivity in the communities.
The initiative received wide commendation from community members, who offered prayers for Okene Samuel, the state, and the administration of Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, whom they praised for his leadership.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ekuma Eteng, a spokesperson at one of the polling units, lauded the intervention, describing it as timely and people-oriented, while women groups and youths expressed appreciation for being remembered during a challenging period.
In recognition of his sustained support for education, Mrs. Philomena Ovai Etta announced that Ukene Samuel has been honoured by the National Association of Usumutong Students (NAUS) and the National Association of Bahumono Students, acknowledging his continuous contributions to the growth of education and student development in the area.
Although not a political appointee, Ukene Samuel reaffirmed his belief in the current administration, calling on grassroots actors to align with the governor's vision and strengthen community-level engagement.
"You don't wait for the governor before you develop your grassroots. If we all do our part, Cross River State will move forward," he said.
The January survival support initiative has further positioned Ukene Samuel as a rising grassroots mobiliser with a strong focus on welfare, education and sustainable community development in Abi LGA.
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